foreboding

1 of 2

noun

fore·​bod·​ing (ˌ)fȯr-ˈbō-diŋ How to pronounce foreboding (audio)
: the act of one who forebodes
also : an omen, prediction, or presentiment especially of coming evil : portent
It seems that her forebodings were justified.

foreboding

2 of 2

adjective

: indicative of or marked by foreboding
forebodingly adverb
forebodingness noun

Examples of foreboding in a Sentence

Noun She was filled with a sense of foreboding. It seems that her forebodings were justified. Adjective foreboding clouds began to gather
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
In his images of the World Trade Center, the passage of time has once again added to his foreboding. Benjamin Moser, The New Yorker, 8 Oct. 2024 But most foreboding is Falcone’s daughter and Alberto’s sister Sofia, released from Arkham Asylum after years inside and with major grievances against Oz, who used to be her driver. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024
Adjective
This makes the songs sound darker, eerier, and more foreboding. G. Samantha Rosenthal, Them, 3 Oct. 2024 The 2024 Emmy nominees cast a foreboding presence over next year’s ceremony not because of the shows that are nominated, but because of the ones that aren’t. Joe Reid, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foreboding 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1630, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreboding was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near foreboding

Cite this Entry

“Foreboding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreboding. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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