1
as in omens
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 miracles
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 portents
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
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
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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
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The pattern offers favorable omens for Saquon Barkley, a sports history buff, who breached 1,000 yards rushing with a 132-yard game against the Commanders.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2025
Noun
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But one might be forgiven for believing in the possibility of miracles.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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The old world was one of conjecture, miracles and guesswork.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Those are, indeed, pat, credible theories and predictions.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Ahead of the season premiere, several of her family members spoke about their predictions for how her stint on the show will play out.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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DarkSky International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the night sky, has identified some of the best spots for witnessing the wonders of the cosmos across the island country.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Nov. 2025
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Inomata and his colleagues also believe that the site would have been built by willing participants, not compulsory labor used to construct many ancient wonders such as Egypt’s pyramids and later Maya cities.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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One of the marvels of Incan design is its masonry, encountered frequently in Cuzco and all through Machu Picchu.—
Ryan Knighton,
AFAR Media,
31 Oct. 2025
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Technological marvels do little to ameliorate the hardscrabble existence of most workers; sixty-five-year labor contracts are the norm.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The governor-elect’s plans provide hints of how progressives elsewhere will try to tackle affordability problems.—
Judge Glock,
Washington Post,
9 Jan. 2026
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No arrests have been announced, nor have police offered any hints for a motive for the killing.—
Jakob Rodgers,
Mercury News,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The indie feature heralds from Benacus Entertainment and RNF Productions.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
14 Oct. 2025
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Thy Kingdom Come’s entrance heralds 10 total appearances for the album’s tracks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.—
Trevor Anderson,
Billboard,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Erica has evolved from a simple virtual assistant to a sophisticated tool, with 60% of its 3 billion interactions now being proactive, offering suggestions and next steps.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Nov. 2025
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Our critics have some helpful suggestions for songs to keep you warm.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Portents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portents. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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