as in portents
something believed to be a sign or warning of a future event
some people still believe that a black cat crossing your path is a bad omen
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Recent Examples of omens
While other rulers of the era relied on religious omens or superstition to guide their kingdoms, Aristotle taught the young prince that the universe could be understood through human reason and keen observation.
—
Steve Muscato, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Researchers created a test to screen drivers who can perceive omens before a road accident occurs.
—Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026
In the car, the omens appear to be aligning.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 9 May 2026
On the other hand, all these omens popping up so early in the season is an indication there are further twists to come.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
The number 13 has long been associated with negative omens.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
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
Favourable Winds For The UK Index At the risk of speaking too soon, so far the omens are pretty good.
—John Stepek, Bloomberg, 14 Jan. 2026
In fact, some of you may have found a more spiritual connection to the universe, seeing omens, signs, and visions of what was, what is and what could be.
—Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
Steve Muscato, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Researchers created a test to screen drivers who can perceive omens before a road accident occurs.
—Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026
In the car, the omens appear to be aligning.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 9 May 2026
On the other hand, all these omens popping up so early in the season is an indication there are further twists to come.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
The number 13 has long been associated with negative omens.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
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
Favourable Winds For The UK Index At the risk of speaking too soon, so far the omens are pretty good.
—John Stepek, Bloomberg, 14 Jan. 2026
In fact, some of you may have found a more spiritual connection to the universe, seeing omens, signs, and visions of what was, what is and what could be.
—Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for omens
Noun
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In the shadows of the long-hut, the elders muttered among themselves—of portents and crops and weather and the storage of grain.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
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Hurley says there are already portents of future protests against SpaceX’s plan, sparked by its lofting just 10,000 Starlink satellites so far into low Earth orbit.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Vinod brought the long view and the uncomfortable predictions.—
Brian Solis,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
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Such predictions indicate a deeper understanding that another individual’s gaze refers to something specific in the environment.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
The gold bar could be found after any clue, organizers said, with additional hints being released throughout the summer, gradually making the location of the gold easier to identify.—
Mustafa Qadri,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
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The space uses deep greens, wood, bronze touches, and hints of kelp forests to create a warm and distinctive atmosphere.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
There’s also a useful guide to Lisbon with some genuinely off-radar suggestions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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Elon Musk, Elizabeth Warren and lots of policy wonks have suggestions to help workers hit by automation.—
Shira Ovide,
Washington Post,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Omens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/omens. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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