PORTENTOUS Synonyms: 181 Similar and Opposite Words

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

The words fateful and ominous are common synonyms of portentous . While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity. // an eerie and portentous stillness

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fateful' instead of 'portentous'?

In some situations, the words fateful and portentous are roughly equivalent. However, fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance. // the fateful conference that led to war

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

The words ominous and portentous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster. // ominous rumblings from the volcano

portentous

adjective

pȯr-ˈten-təs

Definition of portentous

as in ominous

being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come an eerie and portentous stillness hung over the camp the night before the battle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wonderful

causing wonder or astonishment in 1969 people regarded the first landing on the moon as a truly portentous event

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective portentous differ from other similar words?

The words fateful and ominous are common synonyms of portentous. While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity.

an eerie and portentous stillness

When is it sensible to use fateful instead of portentous?

In some situations, the words fateful and portentous are roughly equivalent. However, fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance.

the fateful conference that led to war

When can ominous be used instead of portentous?

The words ominous and portentous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster.

ominous rumblings from the volcano

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 portentous Here, too, what was once pioneering and portentous already looks quaint. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 19 Mar. 2026 Could this be another portentous sign? — Caleb Harris, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026 Another is about death itself and the portentous ride to the other side. — Sezin Devi Keohler, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Mar. 2026 Some of the big portentous moments are underscored with heavy soundtrack music composed by Billy Bivona. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for portentous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for portentous

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

Nature aside, Cape Town boasts a wonderful juxtaposition of old world architecture and contemporary design across its vibrant neighborhoods.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
Both films had wonderful ensembles, ingenious writing and an unmistakable sense of occasion.

— Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

Julia, on the other hand, is forced to return to Castle Leathers and face her sinister husband, Lord Lovat (Tony Curran), who still believes that Julia’s child is his own.

— Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
The longtime Adult Swim mischief-maker behind the viral hits ‘Too Many Cooks’ and ‘Yule Log’ specializes in hijacking familiar media formats, revealing the sinister anxieties beneath them.

— Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 28 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

That’s how Wagner found Daniel Paul, an architectural historian who researched and documented the 38-foot-tall cupola-style structure built in 1960 by Van Tassel, who ascribed it miraculous powers including antigravity, rejuvenation and time travel.

— Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Words like miraculous, inspirational, incredible, amazing and magical were just some of the adjectives heard at Friday’s event.

— Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of miraculous

Adjective

For something with only 256 pixels to play with, people have found a surprising number of things to put on them.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026
Paranormal Activity understands just how much fun that can be, crafting a story so suspenseful, so surprising and so startling that the audience’s screams become a soundtrack all their own.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of surprising

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portentous

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“Portentous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portentous. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of portentous

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