1
as in forerunner
something believed to be a sign or warning of a future event
a red sky in the morning can be a portent of a coming storm
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in miracle
something extraordinary or surprising
a scout was sent to have a look at this teenage pitcher who was supposed to be the latest portent of the baseball world
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of portent
Rather than receiving traditional care, however, Hylton was unwittingly plunged into a cold experiment in using remote work to offset hospital staffing shortages, which could be a grim portent in an age of AI automation.
—
Frank Landymore, Futurism, 8 Apr. 2026
This was only a portent of things to come — the protests were dwarfed by massive protests and riots against the regime in September 2022-2023, then the largest protests in December 2025 to January 2026.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
That seemed a portent of more to come as the June primary inches ever closer.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
That seemed a portent of more to come as the June primary inches ever closer.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for portent
Frank Landymore, Futurism, 8 Apr. 2026
This was only a portent of things to come — the protests were dwarfed by massive protests and riots against the regime in September 2022-2023, then the largest protests in December 2025 to January 2026.
—Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2026
That seemed a portent of more to come as the June primary inches ever closer.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
That seemed a portent of more to come as the June primary inches ever closer.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for portent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portent
Noun
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In 2007, the Oatley family opened Qualia, their 30-acre flagship property and the forerunner of Australia’s luxury lodges.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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While Bass remains widely viewed as the forerunner, recent polling suggests the race might be tightening heading into the final days before the June 2 primary.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
29 May 2026
Noun
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Or, as some of the locals might, call it something closer to a miracle.—
Valentina Di Donato,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
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No one is expecting any miracles from the Sox, especially without Murakami’s moon shots.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
Noun
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The release of the beloved birds on Sunday was also seen as a good omen for the Noto region, which is still recovering from the deadly 2024 earthquake.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
31 May 2026
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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
Noun
-
Over the past two centuries, soccer – or football, as it is called in much of the English-speaking world – has become a truly global phenomenon that connects fans on all continents.—
Thomas Adam,
The Conversation,
29 May 2026
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Unbeknownst to Rick, the track, a love song, is a phenomenon, with millions of streams.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
Tort claims are typically filed as a precursor to a lawsuit.—
Rose Evans
Updated May 29,
Idaho Statesman,
29 May 2026
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But the true precursor to the UFC Octagon might be the wrestling cage.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Noun
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Last summer, Amy Gleason became a true believer in the wonders of artificial intelligence.—
Elizabeth Dwoskin,
Washington Post,
4 June 2026
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Little wonder, then, that so many candidates see an opening.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
What drags the installment down, however, is the sheer predictability and lack of dissent, with seven out of the nine votes being unanimous — a foreshadowing of seasons to come.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 June 2026
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With Hokum’s foreshadowing of a downbeat conclusion — and considering the rest of McCarthy’s filmography — Ohm’s survival feels unlikely.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Noun
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Today's armies are logistical marvels, with each combat platoon representing the sharp tip of a very long supply spear.—
David Szondy
June 03,
New Atlas,
3 June 2026
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Grab your camera and marvel at the exterior of the Art Deco-style building, which draws inspiration from Egyptian and Mediterranean Revival architecture.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Portent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portent. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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