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

Before me stretched the portentous menacing road of a new decade.

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Vocabulary lists containing portentous

Romeo and Juliet

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare, Act I

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Great Gatsby

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!