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ominous

/ˈɒmɪnəs/adjective

Suggesting that something bad is about to happen; acting as a warning sign.

Example sentences

  • “Ominous dark clouds gathered over the hills just before the picnic.”
  • “The engine made an ominous clicking noise just before it stopped.”

From 'omen'. Its standard companions are clouds and silences: an ominous silence fell.

Synonyms for ominous

  • threatening
  • menacing
  • foreboding
  • sinister
  • portentous

Antonyms

Related words