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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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

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

Definition of ominous

Adjective

Then England attracted adverse attention for openly drinking in the Queensland resort of Noosa when 2-0 down in a one-sided Ashes series in Australia.

— Paul Newman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Women with high occupational heat exposure were roughly twice as likely to suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth as those working in cooler conditions, and faced elevated risks of adverse birth outcomes overall.

— Catarina Rolfsdotter-Jansson, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of adverse

Adjective

Though the year-plus-long story line also involved a replacement Batman proving far too lethal to be let loose on Gotham for long, and the original Batman going on a soul-searching quest, what most remember is Bane and Batman’s poor, poor spine.

— Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
No, that's – the MMR vaccine is not a lethal vaccine, and it is offered in other countries, the measles, in particular, separately, like in Japan.

— CBS News, CBS News, 23 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

Rabies is a deadly virus that spreads to people from the saliva of infected animals, according to the Mayo Clinic.

— Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
Tropical Storm Moke is making its closest approach to Hawaii as the state braces for its second tropical threat in less than a week after deadly Hurricane Lala tore through parts of the islands.

— Tyler Ory, CNN Money, 23 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 30 Aug. 2026.

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