C2adverbconflictcrime
US/ˈmen.ə.sɪŋ.li/
UK/ˈmen.ə.sɪŋ.li/
in a way that seems to threaten harm or danger
In context
The dog growled menacingly when the stranger came near the gate.
He stepped menacingly toward us, holding a heavy stick.
Dark clouds hung menacingly over the hills all afternoon.
Words that go with menacingly
verb + adverb
- glare menacinglyThe guard glared menacingly at the crowd.
- growl menacinglyThe dog growled menacingly at the postman.
- loom menacinglyThe cliffs loomed menacingly above the road.
- smile menacinglyHe smiled menacingly and walked away.
adverb + adjective
- menacingly quietThe street was menacingly quiet after dark.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He looked at me menacing.Correct: He looked at me menacingly.