as in portents
something believed to be a sign or warning of a future event
some people still believe that a black cat crossing your path is a bad omen
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Recent Examples of omens
On the other hand, all these omens popping up so early in the season is an indication there are further twists to come.
—
Alison Herman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
The number 13 has long been associated with negative omens.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
But many Floridians — particularly those who have moved here since 1998 and have no prior experience with wildfires on a massive scale — don’t see these signs and don’t comprehend the omens.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026
The omens of Sandro Tonali scoring twice in the same game of a knockout competition for Newcastle United are certainly encouraging.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Favourable Winds For The UK Index At the risk of speaking too soon, so far the omens are pretty good.
—John Stepek, Bloomberg, 14 Jan. 2026
In fact, some of you may have found a more spiritual connection to the universe, seeing omens, signs, and visions of what was, what is and what could be.
—Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
In ancient Rome, temples and sanctuaries needed clear sight lines for the taking of auspices — interpreting omens from the behavior of birds — and other rituals.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025
The one reason why this centuries-old record of an eclipse exists is due to an ancient belief that celestial events carry omens that were related to events of the time.
—Julian Dossett, Space.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Alison Herman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026
The number 13 has long been associated with negative omens.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
But many Floridians — particularly those who have moved here since 1998 and have no prior experience with wildfires on a massive scale — don’t see these signs and don’t comprehend the omens.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026
The omens of Sandro Tonali scoring twice in the same game of a knockout competition for Newcastle United are certainly encouraging.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026
Favourable Winds For The UK Index At the risk of speaking too soon, so far the omens are pretty good.
—John Stepek, Bloomberg, 14 Jan. 2026
In fact, some of you may have found a more spiritual connection to the universe, seeing omens, signs, and visions of what was, what is and what could be.
—Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
In ancient Rome, temples and sanctuaries needed clear sight lines for the taking of auspices — interpreting omens from the behavior of birds — and other rituals.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Dec. 2025
The one reason why this centuries-old record of an eclipse exists is due to an ancient belief that celestial events carry omens that were related to events of the time.
—Julian Dossett, Space.com, 5 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for omens
Noun
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By the end of 1857, no one knew the crack-up of the Union was coming in three years, or that the nation would be in a civil war in four, but the portents were bleak.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
12 Feb. 2026
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Carol’s favorite, Bella Donna, does not carry the same dark portents.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
12 Dec. 2025
Noun
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As Horsman suggests, the technology will offer crystal ball predictions about how a movie will do at the box office, as well as its cultural resonance.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
30 Mar. 2026
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What the team found matched long-standing predictions— but only when the heat was concentrated exactly where the aurora enters the atmosphere.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Researchers are now exploring Greenland shark genetics for clues about aging, finding hints of enhanced DNA repair and cellular maintenance that could slow aging at a fundamental level.—
Samantha Agate,
Kansas City Star,
31 Mar. 2026
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Researchers exploring Greenland shark genetics have found hints of enhanced DNA repair and cellular maintenance that could slow aging at a fundamental level.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Following someone’s suggestions delivers you to adventure's door under the Libra full moon.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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But the open kitchen concept, with local produce and jars of pickles on display for guests to touch, taste, and smell, makes going off-menu just as enticing—just ask the chef for suggestions.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Omens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/omens. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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