portent

American  

[pawr-tent, pohr-] / ˈpɔr tɛnt, ˈpoʊr- /

noun

1. an indication or omen of something about to happen, especially something momentous.

   Synonyms:

   warning, augury

2. threatening or disquieting significance.

   an occurrence of dire portent.

   Synonyms:

   import

3. a prodigy or marvel.

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portent British  

/ ˈpɔːtɛnt /

noun

1. a sign or indication of a future event, esp a momentous or calamitous one; omen

2. momentous or ominous significance

   a cry of dire portent

3. a miraculous occurrence; marvel

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Related Words

See sign.

Etymology

Origin of portent

First recorded in 1555–65; from Latin portentum “sign, token,” noun use of neuter of portentus, past participle of portendere “to signify, presage, portend”; portend

Example Sentences

A key issue is whether Medallia troubles portent greater problems in software lending.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

If films about catastrophe often take a schematic, meet-the-victims approach to their opening scenes, Ms. Littman renders hers with persuasive vibrancy, too full of life to have room for heavy-handed portent.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Disney’s chairman recently revealed that D’Amaro was involved with December’s controversial OpenAI character-licensing deal, a grim portent for his future as entertainment boss.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2026

It proved a portent of what was to come.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

She was a most singular portent, a lion in front, a serpent behind, a goat in between—

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

• harbinger
• omen
• premonition