1
as in feel
a feeling that something bad will happen
I had a nagging presage that the results of my medical tests would not be good
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in forerunner
something believed to be a sign or warning of a future event
the sight of the first robin is always a welcome presage of spring
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to predict
to tell of or describe beforehand
people used to believe that a comet presaged a major event, such as the death of a king
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of presage
Jennifer Culp, Them, 16 Aug. 2024
As the ending of the story perhaps presages, Martha is on the cusp of a change in her life.
—Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 28 July 2024
Paul Elie, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2025
Their nine-month imprisonment presaged an evisceration of human rights in Cambodia by Hun Sen, the longtime leader who refashioned a young democracy into a dictatorial dynasty.
—Sun Narin, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for presage
Noun
The New Moon in Virgo, which occurs shortly after Mercury turns direct, presages really big beginnings throughout the zodiac.
—Jennifer Culp, Them, 16 Aug. 2024
As the ending of the story perhaps presages, Martha is on the cusp of a change in her life.
—Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 28 July 2024
Verb
Dolan’s timidity in February presaged the decision of the bishops’ conference to wind down the refugee program in April, apparently without any attempt to sustain it independently.
—Paul Elie, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2025
Their nine-month imprisonment presaged an evisceration of human rights in Cambodia by Hun Sen, the longtime leader who refashioned a young democracy into a dictatorial dynasty.
—Sun Narin, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for presage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presage
Noun
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The 26-year-old Georgian is a bit between power forward and center positionally and isn’t an elite athlete, but has plus ball skills for his size, a respectable shot and good feel.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
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Our tester loved the silky-soft fabric and praised the luxe feel and chic design of this pick.—
Esme Benjamin,
People.com,
20 June 2025
Noun
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This is, in part, explained by the institutional memory of the competition’s forerunner — the Intercontinental Cup — and the legendary battles of a bygone era.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
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Another forerunner of today’s scene is Ansedonia, a hillside community of upscale homes near Capalbio that in the 1960s became popular with creative types from the Italian capital.—
Lee Marshall,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Research and advisory firm Gartner predicted in February that by 2027, the average prices of application programming interfaces for genAI will fall to less than 1% of the current average price for the same technology.—
Bernice Ooi,
CNBC,
26 June 2025
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Even in the Aspen X Games test run, the tool predicted a top 3 order of finish that differed from the betting lines set by oddsmakers.—
David Bloom,
Forbes.com,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
The ensuing explosion incinerates them both. 22. North Bay Bridge collapse (Final Destination 5) The premonition that kicks off Final Destination 5 starts off weak.—
Gayle Sequeira,
Vulture,
16 May 2025
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Instead, the film follows a woman, Stefani (Kaitlyn Santa Juana), whose grandmother, Iris (Gabrielle Rose), had a premonition and survived a tower collapse decades ago.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Noun
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Cravats were a precursor to the modern necktie, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th century.—
Kristopher Fraser,
Robb Report,
20 June 2025
-
Real Madrid were among the favorites to win the first-of-its-kind tournament, which is a precursor to next year’s FIFA World Cup.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
As the threat of more strikes continues to fuel fears in Israel, the residents of Tamra are left feeling anxious.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
16 June 2025
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Farms and food packaging companies were scrambling to find replacement workers after dozens were snatched and others stayed home out of fear.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
16 June 2025
Noun
-
Appearances aren’t deceptive; the portents are grim.—
Christian Schneider,
National Review,
12 June 2025
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Thus, the negative GDP change should not be taken as a portent of looming disaster.—
Bill Conerly,
Forbes.com,
6 May 2025
Noun
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The fact Ishiba’s LDP faces an election on July 20 only heightens the BOJ’s worries about the political establishment striking back.—
William Pesek,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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But plenty of Republicans have expressed worries about the provision as well, imperiling its passage.—
Andrew R. Chow,
Time,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Presage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presage. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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