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 Since Caesar's assassination, the Ides of March has been associated with other misfortune and doom, with several other ominous events taking place on March 15 throughout history. —

Kate Perez, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026 Madigan was unforgettable as the ominous Aunt Gladys in Weapons, a performance that earned her the Best Supporting Actress trophy. —

Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026 But this time, the ominous novelty date is two days before the Ides of March, which means the bad luck will cancel itself out. —

Holly J. Morris, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026 Combined with the belief that Jesus died on a Friday, the date took on an ominous meaning in Christian tradition. —

Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ominous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ominous

Adjective

White noise swirls like smoke and Kenyan guest vocalist Lord Spikeheart’s sinister laughter punctuates the murk.

— Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 25 Mar. 2026
As labor complications ensue, a blizzard rages outside trapping the family in their home – sitting ducks for whatever sinister presence might be in there with them.

— William Earl, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026