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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 With more than enough work to go around, broadcast and cable networks were bathed in green light and the introduction of original series on streaming services was considered an exciting novelty, rather than the first ominous drumbeats of industry-disrupting dominance. —

Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 Threatening packages and ominous strangers, however, are just the beginning of their problems. —

Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 The other occasions were similarly ominous. —

Sarah Min, CNBC, 11 May 2026 If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter. —

Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ominous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ominous

Adjective

Maul was always expendable, being played like a violin by the Sith for their own sinister purposes.

— Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 19 May 2026
This sinister man was Lennon's future murderer who got him to sign an album — perhaps this very album — and later shot him dead.

— Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026