foreboding

1 of 2

noun

fore·​bod·​ing (ˌ)fȯr-ˈbō-diŋ How to pronounce foreboding (audio)
Synonyms of foreboding
: 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
(ˌ)fȯr-ˈbō-diŋ-lē How to pronounce foreboding (audio)
adverb
forebodingness noun

Synonyms of foreboding

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Noun

Adjective

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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
That’s not to say the decisions were easy and lacked a sense of foreboding. — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026 None more so than her best friend, Liza, who is haunted by the foreboding last words Jane said to her. — Air Mail, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Amar felt something more foreboding. — Annie Hylton, New Yorker, 14 May 2026 One half of the women’s tournament looks more foreboding than the other. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 21 May 2026 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

Rhymes for foreboding

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Browse Nearby Words

foreboder
foreboding
forebody
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Cite this Entry

“Foreboding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreboding. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on foreboding

Nglish: Translation of foreboding for Spanish Speakers

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