BALEFUL Synonyms: 187 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'baleful' different from other adjectives like it?

The words malign and sinister are common synonyms of baleful . While all three words mean "seriously threatening evil or disaster," baleful imputes perniciousness or destructiveness to something whether working openly or covertly. // exerting a corrupt and baleful influence

Q: In what contexts can 'malign' take the place of 'baleful'?

The words malign and baleful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malign applies to what is inherently evil or harmful. // the malign effects of racism

Q: When would 'sinister' be a good substitute for 'baleful'?

The words sinister and baleful can be used in similar contexts, but sinister suggests a general or vague feeling of fear or apprehension on the part of the observer. // a sinister aura haunts the place

baleful

adjective

ˈbāl-fəl

Definition of baleful

as in ominous

being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come a dark, baleful sky portending a tornado

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in adverse

causing or capable of causing harm contends that the violent content of so much of popular entertainment is a baleful influence on our society

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in lethal

likely to cause or capable of causing death a medicine that is beneficial in small doses but baleful in large

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How is the word baleful different from other adjectives like it?

The words malign and sinister are common synonyms of baleful. While all three words mean "seriously threatening evil or disaster," baleful imputes perniciousness or destructiveness to something whether working openly or covertly.

exerting a corrupt and baleful influence

In what contexts can malign take the place of baleful?

The words malign and baleful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malign applies to what is inherently evil or harmful.

the malign effects of racism

When would sinister be a good substitute for baleful?

The words sinister and baleful can be used in similar contexts, but sinister suggests a general or vague feeling of fear or apprehension on the part of the observer.

a sinister aura haunts the place

Example 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 baleful Still, Ortega’s performance proves that sulky, baleful gravity doesn’t have to lose its strange luster over time (a third season has already been announced). — Tom Gliatto, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2025 Orange County officials are the most recent to come under his baleful gaze. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2025 Dafoe’s presence and a distinctively baleful island ambience represent the chief selling points of this predominantly feel-bad exercise, premiering in Locarno’s Piazza Grande program. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 9 Aug. 2025 The truth is there in the baleful eyes of the figures who don’t get to speak, especially the bloodied prisoners handcuffed to the stair railing at the police station where her mother works. — Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for baleful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for baleful

Adjective

His mode of reiteration and attenuation is an ominous portent for the future of fiction.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Once a rare occurrence, the ominous signal is becoming a more regular event thanks to the worsening climate crisis.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of ominous

Adjective

Ustel said the ferry faced adverse weather conditions and began taking in water just 15 minutes after departure.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
The report identified adverse effects on dozens of historic properties, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and other landmarks.

— Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of adverse

Adjective

Dozens of companies have withdrawn over the past decades due to poor profits, an uncertain business outlook and concerns about harm to their reputations from making arms, especially lethal weapons.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Airwars is the first to map the damage radius of the strikes in Lamerd and estimate the lethal range of the weapon used.

— Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of lethal

Adjective

But now Disney has shared more of what’s coming to the sinister territory just beyond the spires of the park’s Wildest Ride in the Wilderness.

— Megan duBois, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026
In the more familiar galaxy far, far away, their friends Hera Syndulla, Ezra Bridger, Zeb Orrelios and Chopper must face the powerful Grand Admiral Thrawn and his sinister allies, who seek to plunge the fledgling New Republic into war.

— Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of sinister

Adjective

California was among dozens of states that sued Meta in 2023, alleging in a lawsuit that the social media giant intentionally designed harmful and addictive features to hook children while misleading the public about the dangers.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
The report said the company was strengthening its research infrastructure, increasing monitoring and improving safeguards designed to prevent harmful or unintended behavior.

— Reuters, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of harmful

Adjective

The death toll from a Russian strike on a warehouse west of Kyiv, the war's deadliest attack so far this year, rose to 38 with four people still missing, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on social media Sunday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Ukraine launched deadly strikes in recent months on the facilities of Russia’s biggest online retailer, Wildberries, saying the company sells dual-use goods that have aided the Kremlin’s war effort.

— Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of deadly

Adjective

But Nile’s menacing quiet luxury also manifests his petulant rebellion and desire to break free from the shadow — and control — of his father, Martin (Jonathan Banks).

— Fawnia Soo Hoo, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Sliding bass, sharp percussion and dark production create a menacing backdrop for Pop Smoke’s unmistakably deep voice, which lands as another rhythmic element within the track.

— Brittney Williams, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of menacing

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“Baleful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baleful. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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