Portent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈpȯr-ˌtent/ por·tent

Meaning & Definition of Portent

Portent (noun)

  1. something that foreshadows a coming event, omen, sign
  2. prophetic indication or significance
  3. marvel, prodigy

Portent (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something believed to be a sign or warning of a future event

    "a red sky in the morning can be a portent of a coming storm"

    similar: augury, auspice, boding, foreboding, foreshadowing, omen, prefiguring, presage, straw in the wind
    related: forerunner, harbinger, herald, precursor, foretaste, hint, inkling, intimation, suggestion, forewarning, forecast, foretelling, prediction, prognostication, prophecy, badge, mark, note, token, divination

  2. something extraordinary or surprising

    "a scout was sent to have a look at this teenage pitcher who was supposed to be the latest portent of the baseball world"

    similar: caution, flash, marvel, miracle, phenomenon, prodigy, sensation, splendor, wonder
    related: curiosity, sight, spectacle, beauty, corker, crackerjack, dandy, jim-dandy, knockout, apparition, appearance

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Portent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Portent:

augury, auspice, boding, foreboding, foreshadowing, omen, prefiguring, presage, caution, flash, marvel, miracle, phenomenon, prodigy, sensation, splendor, wonder, straw in the wind

Related Words for Portent

forerunner, harbinger, herald, precursor, foretaste, hint, inkling, intimation, suggestion, forewarning, forecast, foretelling, prediction, prognostication, prophecy, badge, mark, note, token, divination, curiosity, sight, spectacle, beauty, corker, crackerjack, dandy, jim-dandy, knockout, apparition

Origin & Etymology of Portent

Latin portentum, from neuter of portentus, past participle of portendere

First known use: 1562

Frequently Asked Questions about Portent

What does "Portent" mean?

"Portent" means something that foreshadows a coming event, omen, sign. As a noun, it is defined as: something that foreshadows a coming event, omen, sign. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Portent"?

Other words for "Portent" include augury, auspice, boding, foreboding, foreshadowing, omen, prefiguring and presage. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Portent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Portent"?

There are 49 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Portent". Common alternatives include augury, auspice, boding, foreboding, foreshadowing, omen, prefiguring, presage, caution and flash.

How do you use "Portent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Portent" in a sentence: "a red sky in the morning can be a portent of a coming storm"; "a scout was sent to have a look at this teenage pitcher who was supposed to be the latest portent of the baseball world".

Is "Portent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Portent" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Portent"?

"Portent" is pronounced /ˈpȯr-ˌtent/ and divided into syllables as por·tent.

What is the origin of the word "Portent"?

"Portent" comes from Latin portentum, from neuter of portentus, past participle of portendere. First known use: 1562.

What is another word for "Portent" meaning "something believed to be a sign or warning of a future event"?

When "Portent" (noun) means something believed to be a sign or warning of a future event, synonyms include augury, auspice, boding, foreboding, foreshadowing and omen.