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
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Recent Examples of inauspicious
But if the 3-year-olds are already identifying the identity crisis, then saying the start was inauspicious is an understatement.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
Dabrowski had an inauspicious launch of his campaign in September, speaking for less than nine minutes in front of his home and taking no questions from reporters.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
After this inauspicious beginning, Rajabi handed over the dossier.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2026
Sunday’s border battle at Wisconsin began in an inauspicious manner for the Minnesota women’s basketball team.
—Staff Report, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inauspicious
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026
Dabrowski had an inauspicious launch of his campaign in September, speaking for less than nine minutes in front of his home and taking no questions from reporters.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
After this inauspicious beginning, Rajabi handed over the dossier.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 1 Mar. 2026
Sunday’s border battle at Wisconsin began in an inauspicious manner for the Minnesota women’s basketball team.
—Staff Report, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inauspicious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inauspicious
Adjective
-
If the sky turns ominous and thunder can be heard, find a secure place for shelter.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
-
With the game tied and things looking ominous for the Galaxy, Elijah Wynder was held on a cross into the box.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Upending age-old narrative traditions, Paul’s heroism takes a sinister turn when Herbert reveals that the Bene Gesserit, an Illuminati-like secretive order of psychic matriarchs, has long been conditioning the Fremen to expect the arrival of a messiah, or mahdi, in their native tongue.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
29 Apr. 2026
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This advertised butt jokes, campy fight montages and sinister Seth Rogen laughs.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Idaho lawmakers spent hours debating a surge in rodents menacing Boise-area gardens and kitchens and threatening agriculture and public health.—
Karin Brulliard,
Washington Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
If the sky becomes menacing and thunder becomes audible, seek out a safe place to seek shelter.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inauspicious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inauspicious. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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