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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter. —

Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026 Stay vigilant by monitoring the sky for ominous signs and listening for the telltale sound of thunder. —

Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 19 June 2026 Catastrophe looms in Terrestrials' near-menacing tone, full of ominous synth pulses and creeping grooves. —

Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026 Toews set career highs in goals (35), assists (46) and points (81) in 2018-19, but the Hawks fired Quenneville after 15 games and missed the playoffs for a second straight year — an ominous sign for both Toews and the organization. —

Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ominous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ominous

Adjective

At the very least, they are connected to a sinister entity that preys on the minds of its victims.

— Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026
There’s been something sinister afoot in provincial France in recent years.

— Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 June 2026