Definition of ominousnext

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 That sounds … ominous, especially given all that has played over the league in recent months. Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 24 June 2026 One post from February features a self-portrait to which Longo added ominous, discordant music and the grain of a CCTV camera, like a prisoner in a horror movie. Christopher Hooks, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 Listening to most records felt shaky, ominous, like reintroducing food after a stomach bug. Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 Catastrophe looms in Terrestrials' near-menacing tone, full of ominous synth pulses and creeping grooves. Cassidy Sollazzo, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ominous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ominous
Adjective
  • Because everyone will have access to the same information, AI will accentuate the value of personal connections, again promoting lineages and networks that at their most extreme may appear to be sinister establishment conspiracies.
    Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
  • Soon, Pinocchio – under the influence of a sinister Cricket (Robert Englund) — goes on a killing rampage to free James from everyone evil around him, and becoming a real boy in the process — one piece at a time.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
  • Enola fearlessly climbs to the top of the carriage while wearing her white wedding dress, aiming a shotgun at the menacing figure.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The goofy sketch comedies and homemade spoofs that once filled his channel gradually disappeared, replaced by melancholy short films and bleak monologues.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2026
  • Cher’s court documents paint a bleak picture of how Allman, 49, allegedly blows through his $120,000 annual trust distributions.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Ominous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ominous. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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