To presage something is to give or be a sign that it will happen in the future. Presage is a formal synonym for foreshadowing, foretelling, and prediction.

// The sudden gloom and ominous dark clouds clearly presaged a nasty storm.

Disputatious is a formal word used to describe someone who often disagrees and argues with other people (in other words, someone inclined to dispute). It can also describe something marked or characterized by arguments or controversies, or something that provokes debate or controversy.

// The podcast is hosted by a disputatious pair whose sparring has drawn legions of listeners.

To encroach is to gradually move or go into an area that is beyond the usual or desired limits, or to gradually take or begin to use or affect something that belongs to, or is being used by, someone else. Encroach is often followed by on or upon.

// Conflicts between people and bears increase as humans continue to encroach on bear territory.

// They argue that the law would encroach on states' authority.

An audition is a short performance to show the talents of someone (such as an actor or a musician) who is being considered for a role in a play, a position in an orchestra, etc.

// Auditions will be held next week for the spring musical.

// She had an audition for a small part but ended up landing a starring role.

Sward is a literary word that refers to an area of land covered with grass.

// The hikers emerged from the forest to find a green sward dotted with yellow and purple flowers stretching out before them.

To edify someone is to teach them in a way that improves their mind or character.

// The commencement speaker hoped that her words would edify the graduates, and give them hope and encouragement.

If something—such as a path, route, or journey—is described as circuitous, it is not straight, short, and direct, but rather takes a circular or winding course. Circuitous can also describe speech or writing that is not said or done simply or clearly.

// He took a circuitous route to town, stopping at several of his favorite shops even though it added minutes and miles to his trip.

// While either method will yield the correct answer, one is far less circuitous and therefore considered superior.

Something false or inauthentic is spurious. Don't trust spurious ideas and stories. Spurious statements often are lies, just as a spurious coin is a counterfeit coin — a fake.

Divers is an adjective meaning "numbering more than one."

// The tri-county fair offers divers amusements for the whole family.