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
His artworks, which include paintings, sculptures, mixed-media assemblages, mosaics, photographs, and film, are full of mood and foreboding. Belinda Luscombe, Time, 31 Mar. 2025 Even the objective comedy of this storyline is framed with foreboding, like the water gun fight. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 9 Mar. 2025
Adjective
In the larger context of the global climate crisis, this image of a plane suspended between sky and water becomes a foreboding symbol. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025 The diverse cuisine, foreboding landscape, legendary music, and its resilient community are all what makes traveling to The Big Easy such a memorable occasion. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Foreboding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreboding. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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