foreshadow

verb

fore·​shad·​ow fȯr-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō 

foreshadowed; foreshadowing; foreshadows

transitive verb

: to represent, indicate, or typify beforehand : prefigure

The hero's predicament is foreshadowed in the first chapter.

foreshadower

fȯr-ˈsha-də-wər 

noun

Synonyms

• adumbrate
• forerun
• harbinger
• herald
• prefigure

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

Specifically, the credits now foreshadow particular moments that emerge over the course of the season: Look no further than the moment when innie Mark hobbles about a hilly grassland, which turns to be an actual milieu for a scene anchored by Gwendoline Christie in episode three. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2025

The ending is foreshadowed throughout the movie, as disturbing behavior from Annie's kids and herself eventually turns fatal. —Erica Marrison, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025

However, other developments in 2024 may foreshadow unexpected outcomes on immigration in 2025. —Stuart Anderson, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

But Musk’s takeover of Twitter could foreshadow what may happen next for US government workers. —Clare Duffy, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

foreshadow

verb

fore·​shad·​ow -ˈshad-ō 

: to give a hint or suggestion of beforehand

foreshadower noun