: an occurrence or phenomenon (see phenomenon sense 1) believed to portend a future event : augury
The dark clouds were considered a bad omen.
Synonyms
Examples of omen in a Sentence
They regarded the win as a good omen for the team.
omens of things to come
Recent Examples on the Web
They have been associated with bad omens, according to English-language accounts of Japanese folklore.
—
James Doubek, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024
Both make strong cases that U.S. security and prosperity depend on naval dominance, and both are laden with omens that commercial waters will once again turn violent.
—Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022
Poe’s great, terrifying symbol, an emblem of lost wandering, absent compassion, and frightful omens, evoked Noah and the Ark and real-life apocalypse.
—Armond White, National Review, 20 Nov. 2024
From the outset of its 1819 voyage, its crew faced difficulties—or, to a superstitious 19th-century sailor, bad omens.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024
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James Doubek, NPR, 20 Nov. 2024
Both make strong cases that U.S. security and prosperity depend on naval dominance, and both are laden with omens that commercial waters will once again turn violent.
—Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022
Poe’s great, terrifying symbol, an emblem of lost wandering, absent compassion, and frightful omens, evoked Noah and the Ark and real-life apocalypse.
—Armond White, National Review, 20 Nov. 2024
From the outset of its 1819 voyage, its crew faced difficulties—or, to a superstitious 19th-century sailor, bad omens.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for omen
Dictionary Entries Near omen
Cite this Entry
“Omen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omen. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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omen
noun
: a happening believed to be a sign or warning of some future event
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