Topic: Synonyms,

Best Answer Explained in Below-:

The word "menacing" conveys a sense of threat, danger, or impending harm, often creating a feeling of unease or fear. It typically describes something that poses a potential risk or creates a foreboding atmosphere. Among the options given—Encouraging, Alarming, Promising, and Auspicious—the word "alarming" most closely aligns with the connotation of "menacing."

"Alarming" directly invokes feelings of concern, anxiety, or fright, paralleling the ominous undertones associated with "menacing." When something is described as alarming, it suggests an immediate cause for caution or fear, much like a menacing presence that warns of possible danger.

In contrast, "Encouraging," "Promising," and "Auspicious" all carry positive implications; they suggest hope, success, or favorable outcomes. These terms represent upliftment or optimism, which starkly contrasts with the threatening essence of "menacing." Thus, "alarming" stands out as the only option that effectively captures the same sense of foreboding inherent in "menacing," making it the correct answer.