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 Christian Bible and biblical texts also reference red or bloody moons in ominous tones.—
Alan Bradley,
Space.com,
2 Mar. 2026 -
The pizza deliveries in Daniel's name sent an ominous message, according to Salas.—
Bill Whitaker,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The murders themselves are obviously very sinister, but the circumstances surrounding them undermine the show’s drama and lean toward the absurd.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
3 Mar. 2026
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But the updraft that struck Flight SQ321 was of a more sinister sort.—
Burkhard Bilger,
New Yorker,
2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
7 Mar. 2026
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The firebirds come in a menacing flock.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
6 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 10 Mar. 2026.
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