ominous
Ominous (adj) means suggesting that something bad is about to happen; threatening or foreboding. Example: “Dark clouds gathered in an ominous sky before the storm.”
How to use ominous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGiving a sense that something bad is coming.
Word forms
more ominous comparative, most ominous superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Dark clouds gathered in an _____ sky before the storm.
Etymology
From Latin ominosus, "full of foreboding," from omen.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for ominous
See all rhymes for ominous →Frequently asked questions
What does “ominous” mean?
The word “ominous” means suggesting that something bad is about to happen; threatening or foreboding. In plain terms, giving a sense that something bad is coming.
How do you pronounce “ominous”?
“Ominous” is pronounced O-mih-nuhs (/ˈɑmɪnəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “ominous” in a sentence?
Here is “ominous” used in a sentence: “Dark clouds gathered in an ominous sky before the storm.”
What is another word for “ominous”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ominous” include augurous, baleful, bodeful, boding, dire and disastrous.
What is the opposite of “ominous”?
The opposite of “ominous” — its antonyms — are auspicious, omenless and unomened.
What part of speech is “ominous”?
“Ominous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ominous” come from?
The word “ominous” comes from Latin. From Latin ominosus, "full of foreboding," from omen.
Is “ominous” a common word?
“Ominous” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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