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.

“The performance of risk assets and energy markets in recent days portends a turning point in the Middle East conflict,” the economists wrote.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 26, 2026

Conditions like dissociative identity disorder may dictate multiple support animals, and the growth in pet psychologists portends a burgeoning trend of emotionally affected pets needing their own support animals.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

A federal holiday often portends a long weekend for travel—or maybe just an extra day off to relax.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

Before the end of the month we find him taking pleasure, as in earlier Februaries, in the song of the thrush, which portends, he hopes, an end of the north-east wind.

From Life of John Keats His Life and Poetry, his Friends, Critics and After-fame by Colvin, Sidney