foreshadow

verb

fore·​shad·​ow fȯr-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce foreshadow (audio)
foreshadowed; foreshadowing; foreshadows
Synonyms of foreshadownext

transitive verb

: to represent, indicate, or typify beforehand : prefigure
The hero's predicament is foreshadowed in the first chapter.
foreshadower
fȯr-ˈsha-də-wər How to pronounce foreshadow (audio)
noun

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of foreshadow in a Sentence

Her early interest in airplanes foreshadowed her later career as a pilot. The hero's predicament is foreshadowed in the first chapter.
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.
The federal government’s gross national debt has surpassed $34 trillion, a record high that foreshadows the coming political and economic challenges to improve America’s balance sheet in the coming years. — Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2025 Regardless, there’s a lot of guessing right now about whether Zeldin’s tweet foreshadows further federal action. — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025 In one scene, Nancy experiences a crazy dream that foreshadows her grisly discovery, finding herself in the model town, which holds a dark secret. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2025 During the first season, an innocent character finds a questionable vial, which in other examples of the genre may typically foreshadow a long and arduous addiction storyline. — Robyn Bahr, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foreshadow

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreshadow was in 1577

Rhymes for foreshadow

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Browse Nearby Words

foresey
foreshadow
foreshadowing
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Cite this Entry

“Foreshadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreshadow. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

foreshadow

verb
fore·​shad·​ow -ˈshad-ō How to pronounce foreshadow (audio)
: to give a hint or suggestion of beforehand
foreshadower noun

More from Merriam-Webster on foreshadow

Nglish: Translation of foreshadow for Spanish Speakers

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