ILL-BODING Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

ill-boding

adjective

ˈil-ˈbō-diŋ

Definition of ill-boding

as in ominous

being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come in an ill-boding turn of events, the government began rounding up political dissidents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ill-boding

Adjective

His mode of reiteration and attenuation is an ominous portent for the future of fiction.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Once a rare occurrence, the ominous signal is becoming a more regular event thanks to the worsening climate crisis.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of ominous

Adjective

Julia, on the other hand, is forced to return to Castle Leathers and face her sinister husband, Lord Lovat (Tony Curran), who still believes that Julia’s child is his own.

— Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026
The longtime Adult Swim mischief-maker behind the viral hits ‘Too Many Cooks’ and ‘Yule Log’ specializes in hijacking familiar media formats, revealing the sinister anxieties beneath them.

— Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sinister

Adjective

But Nile’s menacing quiet luxury also manifests his petulant rebellion and desire to break free from the shadow — and control — of his father, Martin (Jonathan Banks).

— Fawnia Soo Hoo, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Sliding bass, sharp percussion and dark production create a menacing backdrop for Pop Smoke’s unmistakably deep voice, which lands as another rhythmic element within the track.

— Brittney Williams, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of menacing

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Browse Nearby Words

ill-beings

ill-boding

ill-bred

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ill-boding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill-boding. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of ill-boding

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes