as in sinister
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come
that comment about downsizing from the company president sounded ominous
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Recent Examples of ominous
The ominous weather comes as a record-breaking number of Americans were predicted to travel over the holiday weekend.
—
John Bacon, USA Today, 26 May 2025
The recent bond-market struggles are being treated by a growing chorus of investment professionals as an ominous message about the unreliability of once-safe assets, the obsolescence of the balanced stock-bond portfolio and the need for new sources of diversification.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 May 2025
As her gala gets closer and Devon burrows deeper into the house’s orbit, Michaela’s ominous serenity cracks into something a bit more human.
—Caroline Framke, Vulture, 22 May 2025
There’s a shift in the second to last episode when Michaela suddenly becomes not ridiculous or ominous, but self-aware and human and someone who very clearly sees what a fraud her life has been.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ominous
John Bacon, USA Today, 26 May 2025
The recent bond-market struggles are being treated by a growing chorus of investment professionals as an ominous message about the unreliability of once-safe assets, the obsolescence of the balanced stock-bond portfolio and the need for new sources of diversification.
—Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 May 2025
As her gala gets closer and Devon burrows deeper into the house’s orbit, Michaela’s ominous serenity cracks into something a bit more human.
—Caroline Framke, Vulture, 22 May 2025
There’s a shift in the second to last episode when Michaela suddenly becomes not ridiculous or ominous, but self-aware and human and someone who very clearly sees what a fraud her life has been.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ominous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ominous
Adjective
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By the end of the season, President George W. Bush arrives at the family’s doorstep, masquerading as Rumi’s friend while barely concealing his sinister intentions.—
Proma Khosla,
IndieWire,
2 June 2025
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Without giving away any spoilers, Andy turns out to be right about Laura, who has a sinister plot in store.—
Eric Andersson,
People.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
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If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2025
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The man was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault strangulation, second-degree kidnapping, false imprisonment, menacing and prohibited use of weapons, deputies said.—
Sara Schilling,
Sacbee.com,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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At the same time, others who attended this year’s California Democratic Party Convention dismissed any notion that the future of the Democratic Party is bleak.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
31 May 2025
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The early options on the GOP side are bleak: Neither Donalds nor Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife who’s said to be interested in succeeding him, is the moderate Florida so desperately needs now.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ominous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ominous. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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