as in predicting
formal + literary
to be a sign or warning that something usually bad or unpleasant is going to happen
The distant thunder portended a storm. If you're superstitious, a black cat portends trouble.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for portending
Verb
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This simulation helps in predicting potential impacts and unforeseen outcomes that may arise from format adjustments.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
28 Dec. 2024 -
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, the 36-year-old reality star (whose real name is Angela White) shared her confidence in her 8-year-old daughter's future, predicting that Dream will follow in her family's footsteps and become a businesswoman and a leader.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Dec. 2024
Verb
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As one manifestation of Carter’s commitment, his administration began to oppose loans from international financial institutions to rights-abusing governments, promising to provide financial support only after these countries demonstrated concrete improvements on human rights.—
Michael Posner,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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Was Knies’ promising rookie season not necessarily a sign of things to come?—
Joshua Kloke,
The Athletic,
5 Jan. 2025
Verb
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While analysts are forecasting double-digit earnings growth for the S&P 500 in 2025, consensus estimates for the Russell 2000 call for outsized income growth of almost 40%.—
Bret Kenwell,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
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Last week, meteorologists began forecasting with increasing certainty which states might have a white Christmas this year.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
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Thesaurus Entries Near portending
Cite this Entry
“Portending.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/portending. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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