premonitory

adjective

pre·​mon·​i·​to·​ry pri-ˈmä-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce premonitory (audio)
Synonyms of premonitorynext
: giving warning
a premonitory symptom
premonitorily
pri-ˌmä-nə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē How to pronounce premonitory (audio)
adverb

Synonyms

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Examples of premonitory in a Sentence

a moderate tremor that some seismologists have interpreted as a premonitory sign of the catastrophic quake that is inevitable
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.
Fashion observers had also noticed that Swift had introduced a premonitory blue bodysuit into her wardrobe at the Tuesday show. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 9 Aug. 2023 In 2020, four years since their first date, Ms. Carswell started having premonitory dreams of Ms. Wynn walking back into her life once again. — Tiana Randall, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of premonitory was in 1647

Browse Nearby Words

premonitory
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Cite this Entry

“Premonitory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/premonitory. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

premonitory

adjective
pre·​mon·​i·​to·​ry pri-ˈmän-ə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce premonitory (audio)
: giving warning
a premonitory symptom
premonitory aura in epilepsy
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