What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
threaten
Example
He threatened to sue if we didn't pay him back. [threatened: past tense]
Example
The dark clouds threatened rain all day. [threatened: verb]
menace
Example
The aggressive dog was a menace to the neighborhood. [menace: noun]
Example
The storm clouds menaced the small town. [menaced: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Threaten is more commonly used in everyday language than menace. It is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, from personal threats to weather warnings. Menace is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between threaten and menace?
Threaten is generally considered more formal than menace, as it is often used in legal or official contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or informal settings depending on the context.
