as in to indicate
to serve as a sign or symptom of the humor in his writing is never cruel, and betokens a warm and compassionate heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of betoken Its arrival betokened a more gentrified, sanitized Village — a place of $73 million townhouses and celebrity brunches. New York Times, 7 May 2025 The Wiseman reference betokens a certain seriousness on the part of the creators, an awareness that people might be watching who know a thing or two about the subject. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025 Those acts betoken a more significant change. Paul Elie, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2025 Ted Kennedy’s 31% in Iowa and 37% in New Hampshire in 1980 betokened a long and bitter campaign for Jimmy Carter. Ross Douthat, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2024 While many stations have had their tiles replaced, the tiles at those two are original (dating from 1910 and 1906, respectively), betokened by their rich luster and fine cracks, like those seen in oil paintings. Andrew Martin, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for betoken
Verb
  • Permits are invalid unless they are accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection from an accredited veterinarian indicating that the animal is free of disease.
    Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Swift’s 149-show, five-continent expedition encapsulated a tsunami of emotions not just among her fans, but her own journey through a very public breakup, a fling and, as indicated by her engagement to Kelce, knee-buckling love.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If Ohtani is to be treated as a normal starter, however, could that mean changes in how the Dodgers deploy him?
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Fall is here, which means leaves are falling.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Millais covered her body with flowers that signify love, pain, innocence, and faithfulness.
    Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Some wear kittles, white burial shrouds, to signify repentance, according to History.
    Krys'tal Griffin, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Betoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betoken. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.

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