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

as in sinister

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

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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

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 ominous Admittedly, Mitchell is fairly creative in sketching the run-up to the dinosaur takeover, which includes ominous signs such as long-extinct plant life taking root overnight. — Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 22 Aug. 2026 An international cast fueled a show that featured people gifted with superpowers around the world that had a mysteriously ominous connection. — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 Once there, Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf watch as the butterfly approaches the outstretched hand of a woman whose face is obscured, before the ominous presence crushes it in her hands. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Aug. 2026 These fears, while unfounded, were indicative of something much worse—and marked a new, ominous chapter in the whale’s evolving symbolic import. — Naomi Skwarna, hazlitt.net, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ominous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ominous

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

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

Adjective

Although the news may be bleak for the dinner's thousands of supporters, the committee also shared a glimmer of hope.

— Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Aug. 2026
In many ways, her life feels like a bleak look at the false promise of placing all of your need for validation in your husband.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of bleak

Browse Nearby Words

omens

ominous

omission

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

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Synonyms of ominous

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