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
Adjective
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The sheer scale, bustle and energy reflected the depth of the industry, even as the ominous rumblings of global trade continued in the background.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
20 Mar. 2026 -
Dune’s author didn’t necessarily intend the Butlerian Jihad to be an ominous warning.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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White noise swirls like smoke and Kenyan guest vocalist Lord Spikeheart’s sinister laughter punctuates the murk.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
25 Mar. 2026
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As labor complications ensue, a blizzard rages outside trapping the family in their home – sitting ducks for whatever sinister presence might be in there with them.—
William Earl,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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At least there’s a hot new young Professor Snape, played by Paapa Essiedu, looking absolutely as menacing as an adaptation of the first book requires.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
25 Mar. 2026
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Feds investigate pizza doxxings of judges An influx of menacing pizza deliveries to unsuspecting judges has prompted a federal investigation, The Gavel has learned.—
Ella Lee,
The Hill,
25 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Ill-boding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill-boding. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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