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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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. —

Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2026 What’s becoming more ominous is that Russia might escalate the conflict beyond Ukraine. —

Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 Litton also had an ominous history lesson for Floridians. —

Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 May 2026 An ominous cloud hangs over Vahidi, as several of his predecessors were assassinated by the US and Israel – including Qasem Soleimani, the former commander of the Quds Force. —

Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ominous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ominous

Adjective

In the film, actress Midori Francis plays Hana, a medical student who becomes terrorized by a sinister force after partaking in the latest dieting fad — eating human ashes.

— Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026
Yet a sinister rage brews within the former chef, flickering alive with the smallest spark.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 June 2026