as in to indicate
to serve as a sign or symptom of the humor in his writing is never cruel, and betokens a warm and compassionate heart

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of betoken Its arrival betokened a more gentrified, sanitized Village — a place of $73 million townhouses and celebrity brunches. New York Times, 7 May 2025 The Wiseman reference betokens a certain seriousness on the part of the creators, an awareness that people might be watching who know a thing or two about the subject. Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025 Those acts betoken a more significant change. Paul Elie, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2025 Both the hosting of the Games and the adoption of the euro in 2001 seemed to betoken an unaccustomed self-confidence, optimism and national pride among Greeks. Alan Cowell, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025 Both the hosting of the Games and the adoption of the euro in 2001 seemed to betoken an unaccustomed self-confidence, optimism and national pride among Greeks. Alan Cowell, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2025 The book betokens an acceptance of ever-encroaching mortality. Christina Cacouris, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2024 Ted Kennedy’s 31% in Iowa and 37% in New Hampshire in 1980 betokened a long and bitter campaign for Jimmy Carter. Ross Douthat, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2024 While many stations have had their tiles replaced, the tiles at those two are original (dating from 1910 and 1906, respectively), betokened by their rich luster and fine cracks, like those seen in oil paintings. Andrew Martin, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for betoken
Verb
  • There’s no evidence to indicate Cook is going anywhere soon.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
  • Curiously, there was no representative from Prince William and Kate Middleton in the talks, and reports indicate the two are approaching the possible reconciliation carefully.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Controlling a fire means ensuring that the fire can't spread or cross the containment line.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2025
  • The Justice Department further noted that no more files related to the case — other than a video meant to prove that Epstein killed himself — would be made public.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • In 1925, the Buckeyes and Fighting Illini chose a live turtle to signify their long-lasting spirit of competition.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • For the last four-quarter period, AES's Net Income was $1.3 billion – signifying a moderate Net Income Margin of 10.7% (compared to 11.6% for the S&P 500) How Stable is AES Financially?
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Betoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/betoken. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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