as in to indicate
to serve as a sign or symptom of the humor in his writing is never cruel, and betokens a warm and compassionate heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of betoken Its arrival betokened a more gentrified, sanitized Village — a place of $73 million townhouses and celebrity brunches. New York Times, 7 May 2025 The Wiseman reference betokens a certain seriousness on the part of the creators, an awareness that people might be watching who know a thing or two about the subject. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025 Those acts betoken a more significant change. Paul Elie, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2025 Both the hosting of the Games and the adoption of the euro in 2001 seemed to betoken an unaccustomed self-confidence, optimism and national pride among Greeks. Alan Cowell, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025 Both the hosting of the Games and the adoption of the euro in 2001 seemed to betoken an unaccustomed self-confidence, optimism and national pride among Greeks. Alan Cowell, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025 The book betokens an acceptance of ever-encroaching mortality. Christina Cacouris, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2024 Ted Kennedy’s 31% in Iowa and 37% in New Hampshire in 1980 betokened a long and bitter campaign for Jimmy Carter. Ross Douthat, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2024 While many stations have had their tiles replaced, the tiles at those two are original (dating from 1910 and 1906, respectively), betokened by their rich luster and fine cracks, like those seen in oil paintings. Andrew Martin, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for betoken
Verb
  • Generally, during the summer months, dew points of 55 degrees or lower indicate a dry and comfortable feel.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025
  • In previous years, rent also rose faster in these areas compared with the rest of the county, but the gap grew post-fires, which experts said indicates the fires are the likely cause.
    Phi Do, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • That means that any new releases of Port Ellen from the original distillery are going to get more and more expensive and more and more scarce.
    Mark Littler, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • So, why the attack on electric vehicles and what does this mean for car buyers? Need a break?
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • With Bitcoin presently trading around $106,000, this signifies a solid 55% gain on their investment.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • The ink on his crown — a large number 6 — signifies his status as the sixth member of a small but increasingly visible community: a local band of barbers and tattoo artists who call themselves Viet Chicanos.
    Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Betoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betoken. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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