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Definitions

portentous

[pawr-ten-tuhs, pohr-] / pɔrˈtɛn təs, poʊr- /
ADJECTIVE
exciting; foreboding
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apocalyptic haunting intriguing ominous
WEAK
alarming amazing astounding augural destined doomed exhilarating extraordinary fated fateful ill-boding ill-fated impending important inauspicious inspiring phenomenal premonitory prophetic remarkable suggestive threatening thrilling

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.

She plans to sweep away the cobwebs and inject warmth and life into a farm mired in portentous dialogue and unmentionable secrets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

Like the album, the trailer's atmosphere is brooding and portentous.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2025

That’s when her portentous warpaint emerges, a crisp black border drawn from tear duct to wing crowning a frigid, distrustful gaze.

From Salon • Oct. 27, 2024

It was also an America with some portentous innovations.

From Slate • Jun. 20, 2024

As Amy returned from her last trip, Mr. Davis gave a portentous “Hem!” and said, in his most impressive manner...

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.