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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Synonym Chooser

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

The ominous acts would later be debunked and deemed fake by the FBI in July.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Things are also tough for their friends, Elle (Yasmin Finney) and Tao (William Gao), whose constant bickering seems to be an ominous portent for their on-again-off-again relationship.

— David Mack, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Definition of ominous

Adjective

But this isn’t because of potential health risks or adverse effects in-flight—cabin crew simply dislike pouring it because of its excessive fizziness.

— Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
The scientific debate Scientists do not always agree on what counts as an adverse effect of mindfulness.

— Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Definition of adverse

Adjective

Mbappe was so dynamic, so consistently a threat even when the ball was 50 yards away, and so lethal except for that one day in Dallas.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
After lighting the fire, Arrabaca also pulled out an airsoft rifle — a device commonly used in sports and recreation resembling a gun, but fires less lethal projectiles rather than bullets — and fired five to seven pellets, officials said.

— Brynn Gingras, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

Definition of lethal

Adjective

There was something so sinister about FIFA pushing the idea of diversity while bending the knee to a government working to discard the real thing.

— Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
Outside, the cops, led by a dry sinister officer in a long black leather coat, order him to get on the ground, face down; Sophia comes out of the house and is placed in the back of a car, staring at all this through the glass.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 July 2026

Definition of sinister

Adjective

Your liver is responsible for breaking down toxins and filtering them out of the body, essentially detoxifying you from harmful substances and chemicals.

— Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 22 July 2026
At our previous Yale CEO Caucus, over two-thirds of CEOs surveyed told us that Trump’s tariffs had been harmful to their own businesses, and 80% said that tariff costs had been passed on in part to consumers.

— Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 22 July 2026

Definition of harmful

Adjective

And now Iran has shown US troops face those same dangers around the region – with deadly consequences.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
The war has also affected fertilizer supplies and prices, threatening the planting season and worsening the fate of mostly farming communities in northern Nigeria who have struggled to access their farmlands amid a deadly conflict with armed groups.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 July 2026

Definition of deadly

Adjective

Using everything she’s learned from Reacher and her time as a member of the 110 Special Investigators, Neagley puts herself on a dangerous path to uncover a menacing evil.

— Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026
Andrew Truelove, 41, was charged with hate crimes burglary and menacing, as well as criminal trespass and harassment after allegedly swinging at Melvin Thursday morning.

— Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026

Definition of menacing

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“Baleful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/baleful. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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