premonitory

adjective

pre·​mon·​i·​to·​ry pri-ˈmä-nə-ˌtȯr-ē 

: giving warning

a premonitory symptom

premonitorily

pri-ˌmä-nə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē 

adverb

Synonyms of premonitory

• warning
• admonitory
• cautionary

Examples of premonitory in a Sentence

a moderate tremor that some seismologists have interpreted as a premonitory sign of the catastrophic quake that is inevitable

Recent Examples on the Web

There is a premonitory moment, too, in this book that wrings so much drama from so many backdoor meetings. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026

As is the way with these premonitory lists, not all games are guaranteed 2025 releases. — Matt Gardner, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Many people feel an unpleasant building sensation before a tic, called a premonitory urge, describing it like an itch that needs to be scratched. — Rena Zito, Fortune, 26 Feb. 2026

Fashion observers had also noticed that Swift had introduced a premonitory blue bodysuit into her wardrobe at the Tuesday show. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 9 Aug. 2023

Engaging in physical activity may temporarily suppress tics and lessen the premonitory urge. — Mill Etienne, Forbes.com, 28 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

premonitory

adjective

pre·​mon·​i·​to·​ry pri-ˈmän-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- 

: giving warning

a premonitory symptom

premonitory aura in epilepsy