portend

[pawr-tend, pohr-] / pɔrˈtɛnd, poʊr- /

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.

So what does this portend for the future of American politics?

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

This does not portend an all-around divestment from America.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

Between 2002 and 2007 the dollar suffered a similar drop, but it didn’t portend the end of its hegemonic status.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 13, 2026

Early in the second half, there had been one stretch that seemed to portend a different ending.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2025

The Greeks had an old saying, too: “Red beard and blue eyes portend the Devil.”

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides