portents

Definition of portentsnext
plural of portent

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 portents By the end of 1857, no one knew the crack-up of the Union was coming in three years, or that the nation would be in a civil war in four, but the portents were bleak. Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026 Carol’s favorite, Bella Donna, does not carry the same dark portents. Scott Tobias, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2025 Black cats can be portents of bad luck. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Nov. 2025 As portents go, after a testing summer for Newcastle, this did not look altogether positive. The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025 Other auspicious portents are appearing, Worden says, that signal initial Mars colonies could begin spreading out, beneath crystalline hemispheric domes, across the 2030s. Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Advertisement Mamdani’s performance as mayor would be scrutinized for portents of the Democrats’ future. Mark Chiusano, Time, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portents
Noun
  • 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
Noun
  • This isn’t to say Highway to Hell is devoid of magic or miracles— anything but.
    Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Throughout history, periods of stability quietly cared for the Earth and its people to create the miracles of modernity.
    Doris Bittar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Researchers also revealed that understanding these interactions more accurately can lead to improved models in quantum physics and better predictions of material behavior.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The bottom line Despite expert predictions, nothing's set in stone for gold.
    Aly J Yale, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Read on to learn about these wonders of engineering, where they’re located, and some of the fascinating stories behind these famous buildings.
    Nathalie Nietzsche-Knappe, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2026
  • But the wonders of technology did not allow White to lie for long.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Within a few hours, Dworin would be out the door and back home, and by the next day, exercising and enjoying the benefits of the marvels of modern medical technology.
    Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Continue reading … HEAVENLY VIEW — Artemis II astronaut marvels at 'beauty of creation' in Easter message.
    , FOXNews.com, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There are hints tossed out to suggest his characters’ inner recesses.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026
  • There are hints that some forms of present animal life predated the Cambrian.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • After years of competing for quarters in the arcades, two of the heralds of the video game age are working in tandem.
    Devin Robertson, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The movie heralds from FilmNation Entertainment’s production label Infrared, Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions, and Assemble Media.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In response to questions about the future of FEMA, Mullin pushed back on suggestions the agency could be shuttered for good.
    Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Servers are warm and gracious, while bartenders like The Cove’s Mario will learn cocktail preferences in no time and offer suggestions based on mood and palate.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Portents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portents. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on portents

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster