as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come
the novel's protagonist is haunted by a minatory black specter
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Recent Examples of minatory
Among the richest of the novel’s many pleasures are just such minor characters, including some irresistibly vain and grasping thespians and the minatory Appleby brothers, talent agents of sorts who shamelessly throw their considerable weight around.
—
Daniel Akst, WSJ, 15 Jan. 2021
Daniel Akst, WSJ, 15 Jan. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minatory
Adjective
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Apr. 2026
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Notes The day got off to an ominous start when Cosmic Heat broke her left front leg entering the stretch in the first race and had to be euthanized.—
Jay Posner,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Noblezada stepped into the role of the tragically vivacious nightclub singer Sally Bowles, but rather than playing her unlikely lover Cliff, Carney was cast as the impishly sinister Emcee of the Kit Kat Club.—
Carey Purcell,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2026
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Distracted balances its celeb soiree with Southern California’s sinister edge, the malaise and monotony that can make sunny days so alienating.—
Daniel Felsenthal,
Pitchfork,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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,
3 Apr. 2026
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Many lizards are considered menacing because of their seemingly expressionless faces combined with their claws and teeth, whereas turtles are thought of as slow-moving, docile creatures.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Minatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minatory. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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