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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. —

Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 3 May 2026 This week, Kacey Musgraves sends a burning letter to an avoidant lover, Vince Staples goes after the establishment on an ominous rap-rock manifesto, and Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter invite you to Club Confessions — just be sure to leave your opinions about them at the door. —

Rolling Stone, 1 May 2026 The ominous factor for Arsenal to consider is that City historically finish seasons strongly. —

Mark Carey, New York Times, 1 May 2026 Meanwhile, China sends an ominous signal to its domestic AI industry. —

Benjamin Guggenheim, Washington Post, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ominous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ominous

Adjective

These forces would collide on the Near West Side on a spring evening, against the backdrop of labor unrest, union activity and a hint of influence from a sinister anarchist movement.

— Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
In terms of all-time hero's journeys, his is up there, from his humble beginnings on Tatooine to learning of his sinister dad to becoming a Jedi master to sacrificing himself to help the Resistance.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 3 May 2026