portends

VERB

foreshadow, indicate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

augur bespeak foretell predict presage

STRONG

adumbrate betoken bode call forebode forecast foreshow forewarn harbinger herald hint omen prognosticate promise prophesy read threaten

WEAK

be in the cards crystal-ball foretoken have a hunch point to premonish see coming warn of

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

portends

So there are good reasons to be furious, and worried about what this portends for the future.

From Slate ● Sep. 15, 2026

"The yields are troubling people because it portends a tighter environment and it's going to be more expensive to borrow money," said Kim Forrest, chief investment officer at Bokeh Capital Partners.

From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026

Meanwhile Philippa, knowing that “visionaries are ungovernable,” fears that Barton’s presence in her nunnery portends catastrophe.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 24, 2026

Let’s be real, rational thought portends the obvious: It’s a wrap.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 17, 2026

"I don't know exactly what that portends, but perhaps there will be something to satisfy us."

From Bee and Butterfly A Tale of Two Cousins by Lucy Foster Madison