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O/Ominous
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Ominous

An adjective describing something that indicates danger or disaster is about to happen.

adjective
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Imagine This

When the couple relaxing on the sunny beach heard that a thunderstorm was coming their way, they knew that it would be a minus to their honeymoon because they had fewer days of staying.

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Sounds Like

OM-uh-nuhs

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Looks Like

Looks like 'omen' + suffix -ous; the word visually resembles the root 'omen' with -ous.

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Remember This

Ominous describes signs, atmospheres, or feelings that warn of danger. It does not guarantee a disaster, but it strongly suggests one.

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Other Forms

Omennoun
Ominouslyadverb
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Connect With

foreboding, threatening, sinister, portentous

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Note

Use ominous to describe signs, atmospheres, or warnings that feel threatening. It is often followed by phrases like 'feeling,' 'sign,' or 'clouds' (e.g., 'an ominous cloud'), and contrasts with neutral or positive conditions.

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Study Deeper

Examples
  • Dark clouds gathering over the horizon gave an ominous look to the afternoon.
  • The ominous warning suggested serious consequences if they ignored it.
Synonyms
forebodingthreateningsinisterportentousgrim
Antonyms
harmlessbenignauspicious
Etymology

From Latin ominosus meaning 'full of omens', from omen (sign) + suffix -osus; ultimately from omen 'sign' in Latin.

Mnemonic

OMEN + OUS = full of omens. Remember that ominous describes signs that foretell danger.

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adjective

Touching or sharing a common border; adjacent or directly next to something with no gap between them.

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adjective

Not friendly or forthcoming; distant in manner or behavior.

Girth

noun

The distance around something; the measurement of its circumference.

Similar Words

Related words and words with the same part of speech.

Abstruse

adjective

Difficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.

Accidental

adjective

Happening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.

Acerbic

adjective

Sharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.

Acquiescent

adjective

Ready to agree or approve without protest; compliant.

Adamant

adjective

Rigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.

Adept

adjective

Having or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.