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 picture that's emerged is ominous. Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 10 Oct. 2025 Adames had an ominous start to his Giants’ career. Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 But unleash the foley artists (sound designers), and the flora's dripping slime and ominous pulsing are infinitely more threatening, as a soldier learns to fatal cost later in the season. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025 Rønning does get his own kick-ass score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, all ominous throbbing, but can’t come up with anything visually distinctive. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ominous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ominous
Adjective
  • One memorable moment comes early, when another call between Polly and her mother tilts into dread as the voice on the phone morphs into a more callous, sinister being.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Jonathan and Mina Harker return to Transylvania with their teenage daughter, Quincey — only for her to be ensnared in the castle’s sinister games.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There are far more menacing 4X space game series out there, but Galactic Civilizations is an extremely welcoming experience for new players while still offering a bunch of depth and strategic choices for players to make.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, things are looking bleak for John Cena’s Chris Smith.
    Peter White, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
  • But while these models are enthrall Environmental activist Jane Goodall, who died Wednesday at the age of 91, understood the bleak projections from climate scientists — and the economic and political structures that hinder change.
    Esther Zuckerman, Time, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ominous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ominous. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ominous

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