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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 omens
There was a book in Sapphire’s den that ran a different set of numbers, the math of omens and outcomes.
—
Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
Long before scientists understood solar wind or magnetism, people associated auroras with spirits, omens, warriors, or celestial beings.
—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 June 2026
While other rulers of the era relied on religious omens or superstition to guide their kingdoms, Aristotle taught the young prince that the universe could be understood through human reason and keen observation.
—
Steve Muscato,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Researchers created a test to screen drivers who can perceive omens before a road accident occurs.
—
Wyatt Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
26 May 2026
In the car, the omens appear to be aligning.
—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
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
Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
Long before scientists understood solar wind or magnetism, people associated auroras with spirits, omens, warriors, or celestial beings.
—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 June 2026
While other rulers of the era relied on religious omens or superstition to guide their kingdoms, Aristotle taught the young prince that the universe could be understood through human reason and keen observation.
—
Steve Muscato,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Researchers created a test to screen drivers who can perceive omens before a road accident occurs.
—
Wyatt Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
26 May 2026
In the car, the omens appear to be aligning.
—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for omens
Noun
-
Always alert to mood swings, Hollywood this week is coping with some dauntingly positive portents.
-
But there is reason for hope, because the season-one finale of Widow’s Bay is like a beacon in the dark, and all the signs and portents are lining up.
Noun
-
Once this modification was included, the theoretical predictions closely matched the experimental data, providing a practical framework for estimating exciton binding energy from the dielectric environment.
-
As always, Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi answer our most pressing questions and make predictions about the upcoming race.
Noun
-
An abundance of hints, clues and other helpful items await, not to mention a bonus Custom Wordle and plenty more.
-
And while the couple have yet to confirm their wedding plans, details and hints around their wedding ceremony have begun to emerge, sending Swifties into overdrive.
Noun
-
That goal has been overshadowed by his suggestions that Washington might seize control of Greenland or that Canada could become America’s 51st state.
-
Some of the suggestions include a ban on cryptocurrency mining data centers and requirements for noise barriers to reduce stress on nearby residents.
Cite this Entry
“Omens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/omens. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
