Synonyms of omennext
: an occurrence or phenomenon (see phenomenon sense 1) believed to portend a future event : augury
The dark clouds were considered a bad omen.

Examples of omen in a Sentence

They regarded the win as a good omen for the team. omens of things to come
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In ancient Rome, temples and sanctuaries needed clear sight lines for the taking of auspices — interpreting omens from the behavior of birds — and other rituals. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025 The monologue, which displayed McCarthy’s confidence and comfort as an SNL host, was a good omen of things to come in this solid episode. Charu Sinha, Vulture, 7 Dec. 2025 The one reason why this centuries-old record of an eclipse exists is due to an ancient belief that celestial events carry omens that were related to events of the time. Julian Dossett, Space.com, 5 Dec. 2025 Industrywide holiday outlooks from outside consulting firms have been relatively murky, but the latest slate of earnings from discretionary retailers have been a positive omen for holiday sales. Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for omen

Word History

Etymology

Latin omin-, omen

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of omen was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Omen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omen. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

omen

noun
: a happening believed to be a sign or warning of some future event

More from Merriam-Webster on omen

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