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.

That doesn’t portend an imminent crash, but it does raise the question how long a rally supported by just a handful of stocks can really last.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

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

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

Shedding talent and salary gave Boston financial flexibility—but it also seemed to portend a season of knocking around the NBA’s ocean floor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

Does this Super Bowl’s record-breaking A.I. ad splurge also portend a coming pop?

From Slate • Feb. 8, 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!