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.
But many Floridians — particularly those who have moved here since 1998 and have no prior experience with wildfires on a massive scale — don’t see these signs and don’t comprehend the omens. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026 The omens of Sandro Tonali scoring twice in the same game of a knockout competition for Newcastle United are certainly encouraging. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026 An omen of good things to come. Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 5 Feb. 2026 Such reactions from a judge are not generally considered a favorable omen for a litigant. David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2026 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 26 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

omen

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

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