OMINOUS Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'ominous' differ from other similar words?

The words fateful and portentous are common synonyms of ominous . While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster. // ominous rumblings from the volcano

Q: Where would 'fateful' be a reasonable alternative to 'ominous'?

The words fateful and ominous can be used in similar contexts, but fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance. // the fateful conference that led to war

Q: When can 'portentous' be used instead of 'ominous'?

Although the words portentous and ominous have much in common, portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity. // an eerie and portentous stillness

ominous

adjective

ˈä-mə-nəs

Definition of ominous next

as in sinister

being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come that comment about downsizing from the company president sounded ominous

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective ominous differ from other similar words?

The words fateful and portentous are common synonyms of ominous. While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster.

ominous rumblings from the volcano

Where would fateful be a reasonable alternative to ominous?

The words fateful and ominous can be used in similar contexts, but fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance.

the fateful conference that led to war

When can portentous be used instead of ominous?

Although the words portentous and ominous have much in common, portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity.

an eerie and portentous stillness

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of ominous The second silence, however, lasted much longer — serving as the only ominous moment at Chavez Ravine over two otherwise rollicking, victorious Fall Classic nights. —

Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 After the call with the singer ended, Wack turned his attention to Diddy’s sons, and began his ominous warning. —

Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 30 Oct. 2024 The tone is ominous, and the daughter is sitting on the side of a highway, rocked by the gusts of fast cars. —

Weike Wang, The Atlantic, 26 Oct. 2024 But when an ominous force aims to overrun their motherland, the sisters realize their united powers hold the key to vanquishing the Darkness. —

Keith Langston, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ominous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ominous

Adjective

Specifically, Bill becomes increasingly aware of young girls being held and abused by the nuns of his convent, led by a sinister mother superior, Sister Mary (played with dark-eyed, cold-hearted terror by Emily Watson).

Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024
Elliot Page translates vitality and promise as the young teen, while a blood-freezing Catherine Keener is the sinister embodiment of resentment and cruelty.

Declan Gallagher and Chris Bellamy, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024