crossword clue portend – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "portend", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "crossword clue portend" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BODE: To be an omen of; indicate by signs. Often used in phrases like 'bode well' or 'bode ill'.
OMEN: Serve as a warning or indication of a future event. While commonly a noun, it can function as a verb meaning to be an omen.
5 Letters
AUGUR: Predict a good or bad outcome; be a sign of a future event. Often relates to predictions made from omens.
7 Letters
PRESAGE: Be a sign or warning of (an event, typically momentous or calamitous). It implies a foreboding or prophetic indication.
8 Letters
FORETELL: Predict the future or a future event. This is a direct synonym focusing on the act of predicting.
More About "crossword clue portend"
"Portend" is a fascinating word often encountered in crosswords, and it generally refers to signaling or foreshadowing a future event, often one that is significant, negative, or momentous. Its synonyms frequently appear as answers in puzzles, making it a good clue to understand deeply.
When you see "portend" as a clue, your mind should immediately go to words that mean to predict, indicate, or serve as a sign. The specific context of the puzzle, including any letter patterns you've already filled in, will guide you to the exact answer from the various options like BODE, OMEN, AUGUR, PRESAGE, or FORETELL.
Understanding the nuances of these synonyms can also be helpful. For example, 'bode' often implies a positive or negative outcome ('bode well/ill'), while 'presage' might lean towards a more serious or calamitous warning. This depth of meaning is what makes crosswords both challenging and rewarding.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: Is "portend" being used as a verb (most likely) or subtly hinting at a noun (e.g., 'a portender')? This affects the type of answer you're looking for.
- Consider Letter Count: Once you've identified potential synonyms, narrow them down by the exact number of letters required by the grid.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them as a strong hint to confirm or eliminate possible answers.
- Think of Context: Sometimes, the theme of the crossword or other clues in the puzzle might subtly guide you towards a specific type of 'portend' synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'portend' mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'portend' typically means to indicate, foreshadow, or be a sign of a future event. Look for synonyms like BODE, OMEN, AUGUR, PRESAGE, or FORETELL, depending on the number of letters needed.
How do I find answers for clues like 'portend'?
To solve clues like 'portend', consider synonyms that fit the specific letter count you need. Think about verbs that mean 'to signify a future event' or nouns that mean 'a sign'. Context from surrounding words in the puzzle can also be very helpful.
Are there different types of 'portend' clues?
While 'portend' itself is a verb, clues can sometimes imply its noun form (e.g., 'a portender'). However, most commonly, it will require a verb synonym. Always pay attention to the clue's part of speech and any additional context provided.