portent

noun

por·​tent ˈpȯr-ˌtent 

1

: something that foreshadows a coming event : omen, sign

2

: prophetic indication or significance

3

: marvel, prodigy

Synonyms

• augury
• auspice
• boding
• foreboding
• foreshadowing
• omen
• prefiguring
• presage

Examples of portent in a Sentence

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

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Even though Goldwater lost in a landslide to Johnson, his RNC convention turned out to be a portent of the emerging temperament and rhetoric that now is a central part of Republican politics. —Charles J. Holden / Made By History, TIME, 17 July 2024

Yet Keener and other marine researchers aren’t sure if the animals’ presence is a sign of ecosystem health and rejuvenation or a portent of planetary disaster. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2024

Still, the consequences of any presidential election – not to mention the drama and portents of this particular election – compel the attention of voters and media alike. —Ron Elving, NPR, 22 June 2024

But any such plan seems a portent of greater catastrophe. —Bernard Avishai, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin portentum, from neuter of portentus, past participle of portendere

First Known Use

1562, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

portent

noun

por·​tent ˈpȯ(ə)r-ˌtent 

ˈpō(ə)r-

: a sign or warning of a coming event : omen