Thesaurus results for HARBINGER

Q: How is the word 'harbinger' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of harbinger are forerunner , herald , and precursor . While all these words mean "one that goes before or announces the coming of another," harbinger and herald both apply, chiefly figuratively, to one that proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event. // their early victory was the harbinger of a winning season // the herald of a new age in medicine

Q: When would 'forerunner' be a good substitute for 'harbinger'?

While the synonyms forerunner and harbinger are close in meaning, forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage. // the blockade was the forerunner of war

Q: When could 'precursor' be used to replace 'harbinger'?

The meanings of precursor and harbinger largely overlap; however, precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another. // 18th century poets like Burns were precursors of the Romantics

harbinger 1 of 2

noun

ˈhär-bən-jər

Definition of harbinger next

as in herald

one that announces or indicates the later arrival of another her father's successful job interview was seen as a harbinger of better times to come

Synonyms & Similar Words

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harbinger

2 of 2

verb

as in to herald

to give a slight indication of beforehand the hope that the housing slump does not harbinger a general economic recession

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word harbinger distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of harbinger are forerunner, herald, and precursor. While all these words mean "one that goes before or announces the coming of another," harbinger and herald both apply, chiefly figuratively, to one that proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event.

their early victory was the harbinger of a winning season

the herald of a new age in medicine

When would forerunner be a good substitute for harbinger?

While the synonyms forerunner and harbinger are close in meaning, forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage.

the blockade was the forerunner of war

When could precursor be used to replace harbinger?

The meanings of precursor and harbinger largely overlap; however, precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another.

18th century poets like Burns were precursors of the Romantics

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of harbinger

Noun

Then Daria Kasatkina, the Russian world No. 10 who runs a vlog through YouTube, cut to the heart of why this seemingly quirky bit of fun is also a harbinger for the future of tennis media, as well as the growth of the sport. —

Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025 Trump described the city as a harbinger of what unchecked migration could mean for America. —

Rafael Romo, CNN, 29 Jan. 2025 Volcano Wake-up Time That seismic activity is a harbinger. —

Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 28 Jan. 2025 Among the historical events depicted is the appearance of what is now known as Halley's Comet, used here as a harbinger of the coming Norman invasion. —

Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for harbinger

Recent Examples of Synonyms for harbinger

Noun

Set in a retro-futuristic world inspired by the 1960s, the film sees these heroes defend Earth against the world-devouring space god Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer.

— Nick Romano, EW.com, 8 Jan. 2025
Was the film an early herald of the martini’s return as an It Drink?

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 11 Jan. 2025