minatory

adjective

ˈmi-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce minatory (audio)
Definition of minatorynext
as in ominous
being or showing a sign of evil or calamity to come the novel's protagonist is haunted by a minatory black specter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 minatory Among the richest of the novel’s many pleasures are just such minor characters, including some irresistibly vain and grasping thespians and the minatory Appleby brothers, talent agents of sorts who shamelessly throw their considerable weight around. — Daniel Akst, WSJ, 15 Jan. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for minatory
  1. ominous
  2. sinister
  3. menacing
Adjective
  • Hong Kong — Days before Hong Kong socialite Abby Choi was killed, her father-in-law and brother-in-law allegedly went on an ominous shopping spree.
    — Chris Lau, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
  • And Jeremy is the handsome cipher, the seemingly long-suffering dreamboat of a husband who may or may not be harboring more ominous intentions.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of ominous
Adjective
  • Swift appears as a spectral figure trying to warn Johnson that, based on her own experience, her rich husband has more sinister intentions than his current bride imagines.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026
  • And with its peaks and sharp angles, the home could morph from architectural wonder in the daylight to something more sinister in the shadows of the night.
    — Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of sinister
Adjective
  • On one, Basquiat made the figure menacing, with glowing red eyes, while another iteration appears almost nervous.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The house offered symbolically fitting elements to the book‘s story and close proximity to the water, while also offering both a menacing and calm aura.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of menacing

Browse Nearby Words

miming
minatory
minaudière
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Cite this Entry

“Minatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/minatory. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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