BALEFUL Synonyms: 187 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'baleful' different from other adjectives like it?

The words malign and sinister are common synonyms of baleful . While all three words mean "seriously threatening evil or disaster," baleful imputes perniciousness or destructiveness to something whether working openly or covertly. // exerting a corrupt and baleful influence

Q: In what contexts can 'malign' take the place of 'baleful'?

The words malign and baleful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malign applies to what is inherently evil or harmful. // the malign effects of racism

Q: When would 'sinister' be a good substitute for 'baleful'?

The words sinister and baleful can be used in similar contexts, but sinister suggests a general or vague feeling of fear or apprehension on the part of the observer. // a sinister aura haunts the place

baleful

adjective

ˈbāl-fəl

Definition of baleful next

as in ominous

being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come a dark, baleful sky portending a tornado

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in adverse

causing or capable of causing harm contends that the violent content of so much of popular entertainment is a baleful influence on our society

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in lethal

likely to cause or capable of causing death a medicine that is beneficial in small doses but baleful in large

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word baleful different from other adjectives like it?

The words malign and sinister are common synonyms of baleful. While all three words mean "seriously threatening evil or disaster," baleful imputes perniciousness or destructiveness to something whether working openly or covertly.

exerting a corrupt and baleful influence

In what contexts can malign take the place of baleful?

The words malign and baleful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, malign applies to what is inherently evil or harmful.

the malign effects of racism

When would sinister be a good substitute for baleful?

The words sinister and baleful can be used in similar contexts, but sinister suggests a general or vague feeling of fear or apprehension on the part of the observer.

a sinister aura haunts the place

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of baleful There’s a baleful, country sound to the score, by the folk duo Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) and Levine (who is also credited with music supervision, orchestration and arrangements) suited to the Oklahoma setting and an aching desire to escape it. —

Naveen Kumar, Variety, 12 Apr. 2024 The hells could be said to resemble baleful dresses. —

Jay Pilgreen, Kansas City Star, 12 Feb. 2024 Other senators reviewed the baleful studies showing that social-media apps on smartphones have been the primary cause of a spike in depression, anxiety, and other mental-health issues, especially among teenaged girls. —

Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 2 Feb. 2024 But in his eyes, godless communism and the Soviet Union were just as baleful. —

Reuel Marc Gerecht, Foreign Affairs, 7 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for baleful

Recent Examples of Synonyms for baleful

Adjective

There’s the ominous sense that the monkeys lurking around the resort might just be the same ones wielding swords in the frescoes.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2025
Those recall notices referred to a permanent solution without specifying what that might be—something that could be read as ominous or hopeful.

— Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 14 Feb. 2025