OMINOUS Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'ominous' differ from other similar words?

The words fateful and portentous are common synonyms of ominous . While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster. // ominous rumblings from the volcano

Q: Where would 'fateful' be a reasonable alternative to 'ominous'?

The words fateful and ominous can be used in similar contexts, but fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance. // the fateful conference that led to war

Q: When can 'portentous' be used instead of 'ominous'?

Although the words portentous and ominous have much in common, portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity. // an eerie and portentous stillness

ominous

adjective

ˈä-mə-nəs

Definition of ominous next

as in sinister

being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come that comment about downsizing from the company president sounded ominous

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective ominous differ from other similar words?

The words fateful and portentous are common synonyms of ominous. While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster.

ominous rumblings from the volcano

Where would fateful be a reasonable alternative to ominous?

The words fateful and ominous can be used in similar contexts, but fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance.

the fateful conference that led to war

When can portentous be used instead of ominous?

Although the words portentous and ominous have much in common, portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity.

an eerie and portentous stillness

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 ominous Those words would prove ominous two years later when Hart still couldn’t make the starting lineup at Villanova. —

Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 3 June 2026 Miami tourism also sees other ominous signs. —

Miami Herald, 3 June 2026 The exterior further defines the massive, ominous-looking truck. —

James Raia, Mercury News, 31 May 2026 If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter. —

Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ominous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ominous

Adjective

Firth is chilling, pushing his stern, fiercely intelligent demeanor in increasingly sinister directions and bringing nuance and gravity to the lengths Scanlon will go to fulfill his mandate, whatever the cost.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026
The supernatural psychological horror, written and helmed by Aster, follows a family rocked by grief, who begins to experience sinister and inexplicable occurrences.

— Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 June 2026