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portentous

[pawr-ten-tuhs, pohr-] / pɔrˈtɛn təs, poʊr- /


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.

Were the dialogue a bit less ornate and portentous, the story might be easier to swallow.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

That finale closing song selection, “The Windmills of Your Mind,” is spot-on and portentous; its lyrics speak of the dreamy confusion enveloping these two.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2025

In his review, the BBC's Nicholas Barber called it a "pretentious, portentous curio", akin to someone recalling a "crazy dream".

From BBC • Aug. 22, 2024

It was also an America with some portentous innovations.

From Slate • Jun. 20, 2024

On the stage, in front of a velvet curtain, were two flags: the Stars and Stripes and the unmistakable and portentous crimson Soviet banner with its hammer and sickle.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady