inauspicious

adjective

ˌi-ˌnȯ-ˈspi-shəs How to pronounce inauspicious (audio)
Definition of inauspiciousnext
as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come this many problems so early in the project is a most inauspicious sign

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 inauspicious But this inauspicious start hardly inspires confidence in this bold (yet inadequate) experiment. — Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 19 Dec. 2024 While Cena’s official debut seemed designed to strap a rocket to his back, the unofficial second debut of John Cena was much more inauspicious. — Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 18 July 2024 From this inauspicious start, things went downhill. — Matt Slater, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 His day, however, got off to an inauspicious start. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 10 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for inauspicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inauspicious
  1. ominous
  2. sinister
  3. menacing
Adjective
  • If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The trailer is pretty ominous, hinting at the many disruptions to the relative peace at the Jackson compound that are to come in Season 2.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of ominous
Adjective
  • Nature intrudes on the innies’ lives in increasingly sinister ways, as when they’re spirited into the wilderness for a quasi-religious ORTBO, or Outdoor Retreat and Team Building Occurrence.
    — Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Lithgow’s character humiliates Rush’s character by forcing him to perform a humiliating act on the dementia doll, reveling in the deeply sinister debauchery.
    — Simon Thompson, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of sinister
Adjective
  • Prosecutors, witnesses and judges who were part of Jan. 6 criminal cases were subjected to frequent harassment, menacing and threats, according to testimony and statements made during criminal proceedings in the riot cases.
    — Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Van and Tai cut menacing figures in the wilderness storyline as well.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of menacing

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Cite this Entry

“Inauspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inauspicious. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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