ill-boding

adjective

ˈil-ˈbō-diŋ How to pronounce ill-boding (audio)
Definition of ill-bodingnext
as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come in an ill-boding turn of events, the government began rounding up political dissidents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ill-boding
  1. ominous
  2. sinister
  3. menacing
Adjective
  • West Nile, spread by mosquitoes in the Culex genus, affects about 2,000 people every year in the US and causes about 130 deaths, and this season is off to an early and ominous start, the CDC warned.
    — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • In the meantime, an ominous mass of orbital threats has been steadily growing over the years.
    — Gerry Doyle, Fortune, 13 July 2026
Definition of ominous
Adjective
  • The concept survived the hedonistic ’80s, the grimy ’90s, and the low-rise aughts only to reemerge in the social media age with a new name and a more sinister purpose.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 14 July 2026
  • Fate, or something more sinister, will set them on an unexpected road trip, with devastating consequences.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 14 July 2026
Definition of sinister
Adjective
  • Ho first appeared as the menacing and enigmatic Madame Gao on season 1 of Daredevil in 2015.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2026
Definition of menacing
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.

Browse Nearby Words

ill-beings
ill-boding
ill-bred
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Cite this Entry

“Ill-boding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill-boding. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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