PORTENTOUS Synonyms: 181 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'portentous' differ from other similar words?

The words fateful and ominous are common synonyms of portentous . While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity. // an eerie and portentous stillness

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fateful' instead of 'portentous'?

In some situations, the words fateful and portentous are roughly equivalent. However, fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance. // the fateful conference that led to war

Q: When can 'ominous' be used instead of 'portentous'?

The words ominous and portentous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster. // ominous rumblings from the volcano

portentous

adjective

pȯr-ˈten-təs

Definition of portentous

as in ominous

being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come an eerie and portentous stillness hung over the camp the night before the battle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in marvellous

causing wonder or astonishment in 1969 people regarded the first landing on the moon as a truly portentous event

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective portentous differ from other similar words?

The words fateful and ominous are common synonyms of portentous. While all three words mean "having a menacing or threatening aspect," portentous suggests being frighteningly big or impressive but now seldom definitely connotes forewarning of calamity.

an eerie and portentous stillness

When is it sensible to use fateful instead of portentous?

In some situations, the words fateful and portentous are roughly equivalent. However, fateful suggests being of momentous or decisive importance.

the fateful conference that led to war

When can ominous be used instead of portentous?

The words ominous and portentous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ominous implies having a menacing, alarming character foreshadowing evil or disaster.

ominous rumblings from the volcano

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 portentous But unlike the relative low-budget kicks of his previous two films, Glass has lots of portentous self-importance that the movie never quite earns. —Will Leitch, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2024 The big and portentous orchestrations of John Williams play right through both exposition and action scenes like oppressive Musak. —John H. Dorr, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 July 2024 After reams of the post-liberals’ portentous obscurities, Lefebvre’s cutting clarity comes as a relief. —Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 3 July 2024 The first is to speak in the hushed, portentous tones that have signified Serious Blockbusters for decades. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 1 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for portentous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for portentous

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