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 The shrill, ominous sound is instantly recognizable, and for anyone who’s experienced the real thing, gut-churning. Will Ripley, CNN Money, 17 July 2025 Directed by a budding Steven Spielberg, the original movie became a massive critical and commercial success, blending suspense, horror, memorable characters, and John Williams' ominous Oscar-winning score to create a cinematic milestone. Allison Degrushe Published, EW.com, 16 July 2025 But for Savoie, there are already ominous signs of the reality of the policy taking shape. Maura Fox, Mercury News, 14 July 2025 If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ominous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ominous
Adjective
  • Across the 14-track LP, the producer fuses club beats, acidic bars, and Middle Eastern percussion into a slightly sinister shade of electronica.
    Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 18 July 2025
  • Lex outmaneuvers the titular hero for most of Superman, turning the public against him by uncovering the entirety of the sinister message from his Kryptonian parents and orchestrating a political conflict for personal gain.
    Jack Smart, People.com, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2025
  • That decision ultimately cost him the match, and when the bout was over, Orton’s menacing stare at Rhodes not-so-subtly hinted at a potential heel turn.
    Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • The reversal is notable because this traditionally bleak indicator had been trending more positively under Trump's second term—until now.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
  • Restaurants were closed, staff were furloughed, and the broad outlook on the hospitality industry’s future was, in a word, bleak.
    Lela London, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ominous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ominous. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ominous

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