What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
menace
Example
The dark clouds on the horizon were a menace to the sailors. [menace: noun]
Example
The aggressive dog was menacing the children in the park. [menacing: verb]
threat
Example
The kidnapper made a threat to harm the victim if the ransom was not paid. [threat: noun]
Example
The storm threatened to damage the crops in the field. [threatened: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Threat is more commonly used than menace in everyday language.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between menace and threat?
Both menace and threat can be used in formal and informal contexts, but threat may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its stronger connotation of intention to cause harm.
