portend crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "portend crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "portend crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
OMEN: A predictive sign or symbol, often used in crosswords for 'portend'.
BODE: To be an omen of a particular outcome, a direct synonym for 'portend'.
5 Letters
AUGUR: To predict a good or bad outcome from an omen, closely related to 'portend'.
6 Letters
SIGNAL: An event or sign that indicates the future, often appearing as a synonym for 'portend'.
7 Letters
PRESAGE: To be a sign or warning of (an imminent event), a strong match for 'portend'.
8 Letters
FOREBODE: To have a premonition of (something bad), a common answer for 'portend' clues, particularly with negative connotations.
More About "portend crossword clue"
The verb "portend" means to be a sign or warning that something momentous or calamitous is likely to happen. In crosswords, clues based on "portend" often tap into synonyms related to prediction, omens, and future indications. Understanding the nuances of "portend" can help you identify whether the answer should lean towards a positive, negative, or neutral future event.
Common crossword setters use 'portend' to test your vocabulary on words signifying future events or omens. Words like 'bode' and 'omen' are often shorter, direct synonyms, while 'presage' and 'forebode' offer longer, more specific interpretations, especially when implying a negative outcome. The context of the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can sometimes offer hints to the exact word length or meaning.
This clue frequently appears in various puzzles, from daily quick crosswords to more complex cryptic ones. Its versatility means you'll encounter it often, making it a valuable word to master in your crossword solving lexicon. Always consider the number of letters required and any already filled-in letters to narrow down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and helps you focus on solutions of the correct length.
- Brainstorm Synonyms and Related Concepts: For a word like "portend," think of all its synonyms and related terms like "predict," "signal," "warn," "foresee," "omen," "sign." Write them down if it helps!
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes, the surrounding clues or the puzzle's title can give you hints about the overall theme or tone, which might guide you towards a specific type of 'portend' answer (e.g., if the puzzle is about disasters, 'forebode' might be more likely).
- Check for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Some answers related to 'portend' might have common prefixes (like 'fore-' in 'forebode') that can help you if you have a few letters already.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'portend' mean in the context of a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'portend' typically refers to the act of being a sign or warning that something momentous or calamitous is likely to happen. Clues might look for words like OMEN, BODE, AUGUR, PRESAGE, or FOREBODE.
How can I quickly find synonyms for words like 'portend' in crosswords?
When tackling abstract verbs like 'portend', think about its core meaning: predicting or signaling. Consider words related to signs, omens, or future events. Also, pay attention to the clue's tone; is it positive, negative, or neutral? This can narrow down potential answers.
Are there common letter patterns for 'portend' answers?
Yes, common answers like OMEN (4 letters), BODE (4 letters), AUGUR (5 letters), PRESAGE (7 letters), and FOREBODE (8 letters) show a range of lengths. If you have a few letters filled in, try fitting these known solutions into the grid.