Synonyms of portent

portent

noun

ˈpȯr-ˌtent 

1

as in forerunner

something believed to be a sign or warning of a future event

a red sky in the morning can be a portent of a coming storm

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forerunner
• omen
• precursor
• foreshadowing
• presage
• foreboding
• hint
• prediction
• herald
• augury
• suggestion
• harbinger
• boding
• prefiguring
• prophecy
• foretaste
• auspice
• straw in the wind
• badge
• intimation
• inkling
• forecast
• forewarning
• foretelling
• prognostication
• token
• divination
• mark
• note

2

as in miracle

something extraordinary or surprising

a scout was sent to have a look at this teenage pitcher who was supposed to be the latest portent of the baseball world

Synonyms & Similar Words

• miracle
• phenomenon
• wonder
• marvel
• prodigy
• sensation
• beauty
• splendor
• spectacle
• flash
• caution
• sight
• apparition
• appearance
• corker
• curiosity
• knockout
• crackerjack
• jim-dandy
• dandy

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of portent

That Mann and his daughter, at a posh Frankfurt hotel party, glimpse so many remnants of the Nazi era — including Erika’s ex-husband, who collaborated with the regime — is another portent of darkness. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 14 May 2026

Hurley says there are already portents of future protests against SpaceX’s plan, sparked by its lofting just 10,000 Starlink satellites so far into low Earth orbit. — Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026

The company’s example was seen by many as a portent of the AI future. — Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026

Rather than receiving traditional care, however, Hylton was unwittingly plunged into a cold experiment in using remote work to offset hospital staffing shortages, which could be a grim portent in an age of AI automation. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 8 Apr. 2026