Synonyms for Ominous
Definition of ominous
- adjective
- threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments; "a baleful look"; "forbidding thunderclouds"; "his tone became menacing"; "ominous rumblings of discontent"; "sinister storm clouds"; "a sinister smile"; "his threatening behavior"; "ugly black clouds"; "the situation became ugly"
- presaging ill fortune; "ill omens"; "ill predictions"; "my words with inauspicious thunderings shook heaven"- P.B.Shelley; "a dead and ominous silence prevailed"; "a by- election at a time highly unpropitious for the Government"
12 synonyms found
Writing tips for "ominous"
Choosing the right synonym depends on context, tone, and audience. Words like alarming, baleful, forbidding can replace "ominous" depending on the shade of meaning you need. In poetry and songwriting, swapping synonyms lets you match a rhyme scheme or meter without changing your meaning. In prose, varying your word choice avoids repetition and keeps readers engaged.
With 12 alternatives available, "ominous" gives you flexibility across registers — from formal to casual, from literary to conversational. Try pairing these synonyms with our rhyme finder to discover words that both mean and sound like what you need.
"Ominous" in song lyrics
See how ominous is used in real songs:
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"There is something about his demeanor that's ominous"
Buck 65 — Riverbed 3 -
"Please see to your behavior. Tonedeff is ominous"
Extended Famm — The Evils That Pens Do -
"Turning it out, my presence is ominous"
Hieroglyphics — Pep Love