Portending is a word used to describe actions taken or events that seem to indicate something bad that will happen in the future. There are several synonyms that can be used for this word, such as foreboding, ominous, prophetic, presaging, warning, and foreshadowing. When we say something is portending, we mean that it is a sign or indication of something bad that's about to happen. Other synonyms for the word are prognosticating and auguring, both of which imply predicting the future. Regardless of the synonym used, all of them convey the message of clearly stating that there is something ominous that you should be aware of.