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.

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

If the idea was to de-ice Melania for viewers and, in turn, make them forget about the allegations against Ratner, this one-two punch in the film’s first 10 minutes only portends glorious failure.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2026

But its wholesale gutting portends an even more uncertain future for talented filmmakers already struggling in the A.I. age.

From Slate • Jan. 23, 2026

Well, Mr. Townshend," quoth Mr. Harvey Gerard, as we rolled homewards in a hackney-coach, after seven hours of this man-hunting, "what think you that this news portends?

From Lost Sir Massingberd, v. 2/2 A Romance of Real Life by Payn, James