Definitions

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

But investors might not be aware of the fact that extreme positioning in the options market can sometimes portend a reversal of fortune ahead.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

Yet the reticence from car buyers toward the end of last year portend a potentially volatile year marked by uncertainty around tariffs and the broader economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

He believes the rainbow is a sign from God and that comets portend evil.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing portend

Grade 11, List 2

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"What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" by Frederick Douglass

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Chains

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!