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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ill-boding
Adjective
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But recent days have seen the ominous appearance of public gun kiosks, where civilians are being offered basic lessons in using weapons – a sign of how the hardening Iranian authorities are readying people for further conflict.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026 -
The idea of a managerial change in October if Liverpool stick with Slot through the off-season feels ominous, because a couple of poor early results will bring back the negativity currently engulfing the club and his position will become untenable.—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
Adjective
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Maul was always expendable, being played like a violin by the Sith for their own sinister purposes.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
19 May 2026
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This sinister man was Lennon's future murderer who got him to sign an album — perhaps this very album — and later shot him dead.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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The creative solution quickly went viral for its red LED eyes and menacing fangs—as well as its admittedly odd, furry pipe frame.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
14 May 2026
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This week’s rain can help crews tame a couple of wildfires that were menacing parts of South Miami-Dade and West Broward.—
Alexandra Phelps,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Ill-boding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ill-boding. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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