
Harbinger
Often Ominous
Harbinger frequently suggests a negative or foreboding future event, but not always.
The sighting of a lone raven is a harbinger of bad luck.
Not Always Literal
'Harbinger' can be used metaphorically to represent an early sign of things to come.
His sudden coldness was a harbinger of the breakup.
Neutral or Positive
In some contexts, harbinger can signal positive changes or beginnings.
Robins are considered a harbinger of spring.
Compare with
AuguryForerunnerHeraldIndicatorOmenPortentPredictSign
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