1
as in feel
a feeling that something bad will happen
I had a nagging presage that the results of my medical tests would not be good
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in forerunner
something believed to be a sign or warning of a future event
the sight of the first robin is always a welcome presage of spring
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to predict
to tell of or describe beforehand
people used to believe that a comet presaged a major event, such as the death of a king
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of presage
Jennifer Culp, Them, 16 Aug. 2024
As the ending of the story perhaps presages, Martha is on the cusp of a change in her life.
—Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 28 July 2024
Cristian Farias, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
And the results presaged Democrats’ 2020 Peach State success, when Biden won the state — and the presidency — while the party nabbed both of Georgia’s Senate seats.
—David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for presage
Noun
The New Moon in Virgo, which occurs shortly after Mercury turns direct, presages really big beginnings throughout the zodiac.
—Jennifer Culp, Them, 16 Aug. 2024
As the ending of the story perhaps presages, Martha is on the cusp of a change in her life.
—Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 28 July 2024
Verb
Another thing Gorsuch did in Gundy, presaging yet another argument N.C.L.A.
—Cristian Farias, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
And the results presaged Democrats’ 2020 Peach State success, when Biden won the state — and the presidency — while the party nabbed both of Georgia’s Senate seats.
—David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for presage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presage
Noun
-
Just off the sand, antique shops and farm stands along the streets of Southampton give it a small-town feel.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
14 July 2025
-
The breezy capri length hits just right for warm days, offering an airy feel without going full short.—
Taylor Jean Stephan,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
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Jarry is often cited as a forerunner to the Dada, surrealist and futurist movements in the early 20th century and later, the theater of the absurd.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 July 2025
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Gilligan, who also created Saul’s forerunner Breaking Bad, will serve as writer and showrunner.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Markets and many Fed officials are predicting two rate cuts this year, lots of uncertainty for investors and financial firms, construction firms, and consumers who would like to see lower borrowing rates.—
William Dunkelberg,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
-
What does the Old Farmer's Almanac predict for fall in Michigan?—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
Just give us a new lead, a new premonition, and a new set of characters whose escape from the inciting disaster dooms them to even more horrifying ends.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
22 May 2025
-
The movies had developed a bit of a formulaic structure where there was a premonition, the premonition was avoided, and then death came after the characters one by one.—
William Earl,
Variety,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Chinese authorities have since controlled a number of these precursor chemicals.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
12 July 2025
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As a precursor of sorts for CBS stalwart Survivor (which returns for its 49th edition on September 24), Big Brother is the perfect reality appetizer before the ultimate main course.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
My why can be summed up in three things: fear, respect and the pursuit of greatness.—
Rob Maaddi,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Aug. 2025
-
Rachel Greer, a realtor, described her homeowner client's fear to leave her front door after learning about Robinson's murder.—
Ariela Lopez,
jsonline.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The spooky portent of the Paul Simon song slipped away as, for a few minutes, just about everyone in the crowd had to all be wondering whether, with access to spirit-rousing music even in dystopian times, we might still be forever blessed after all.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
21 June 2025
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The portents at Birmingham are not good given that in eight contests between the two nations, England have won seven and drawn one.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
Noun
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Panicked finds Maron returning to familiar subjects, treating them like beloved worry dolls of comedic setups.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
1 Aug. 2025
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Some lawmakers have said worries over U.S. stockpiles running low don't justify cutting off Ukraine's weapons.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Presage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presage. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
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