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
  • Coinbase has indicated that cryptocurrency prices are influenced by multi-year cycles that typically last two to four years.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • These executives also indicate that advertisers have tackled most of the available inventory in NBC’s 2026 broadcast of Super Bowl LX.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • This is what 42% containment means Containment indicates what percentage of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by a control line.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 14 June 2025
  • But that doesn’t mean Patullo and Co. shouldn’t proactively prepare wrinkles to keep opponents on their toes.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Maybe this is also why the cigarette has always signified rebellion—especially for women living in cultures bent on circumscribing their choices.
    Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 11 June 2025
  • The deployment of the Marines and National Guard in Los Angeles signifies an even more direct and troubling method of addressing public dissent, raising critical concerns about the erosion of democratic principles and constitutional rights.
    Emma K. Dashnaw, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Betoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betoken. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

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