as in forerunner
something believed to be a sign or warning of a future event
the hero's strange encounter with a grave digger is often seen as a foreshadowing of his own death
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in predicting
to give a slight indication of beforehand
a series of small tremors that foreshadowed the massive earthquake the next day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of foreshadowing
Laura Bradley, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024
The narrative told in his recent form was the world’s most obvious foreshadowing.
—Gabby Herzig, The Athletic, 14 Apr. 2024
Some recipients responded to the texts with anger and others with a sense of humor, but many agree that the messages seem to be a bleak foreshadowing.
—Char Adams, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Daemon sees White Walkers marching in the North among other major Thrones moments, as well as important foreshadowing for what's potentially to come in House of the Dragon.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for foreshadowing 
Noun
Episode writer Zachary Reiter knows exactly how to ham up the calm before the storm, warming us up with sentimental moments (like a mother preparing her son for his first date) and frisky foreshadowing (of course there’s a couple getting it on in the bathroom).
—Laura Bradley, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024
The narrative told in his recent form was the world’s most obvious foreshadowing.
—Gabby Herzig, The Athletic, 14 Apr. 2024
Some recipients responded to the texts with anger and others with a sense of humor, but many agree that the messages seem to be a bleak foreshadowing.
—Char Adams, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
Daemon sees White Walkers marching in the North among other major Thrones moments, as well as important foreshadowing for what's potentially to come in House of the Dragon.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for foreshadowing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foreshadowing
Noun
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Three years before the convention, the Nixon administration had presented a draft treaty that proposed a forerunner to the International Seabed Authority: an agency established by the Law of the Sea that would collect royalties from underwater resources and distribute them to the developing world.—
Jack Truesdale,
The Atlantic,
25 Jan. 2025
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According to Hall, Minute Man was a forerunner in a number of fast-food concepts.—
Mike Keckhaver),
arkansasonline.com,
11 Jan. 2025
Verb
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This simulation helps in predicting potential impacts and unforeseen outcomes that may arise from format adjustments.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
28 Dec. 2024
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Meanwhile Chinese oil companies are predicting peak oil demand as widespread electric vehicle usage in the nation is replacing gasoline guzzlers.—
Christopher Helman,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Just like a little salt in your cake batter doesn't make your cake taste salty, a hint of sweet corn in your macaroni and cheese doesn't transform your beloved side into a dessert.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
21 Jan. 2025
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Connections is released at midnight in your local time zone and Newsweek will be back tomorrow with another round of hints and tips.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Starring Andre Braugher, Yaphet Kotto and Melissa Leo, Homicide ran for more than 100 episodes and seven seasons in the 1990s and is considered by many to be a precursor to Simon’s The Wire.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
28 Jan. 2025
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This track is a precursor to a series of new releases planned for early 2025, signaling a year of growth and exploration for Sanders.—
Ethan Stone,
USA TODAY,
28 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Butler was bothered after the discussion because Butler and his agent perceived that Heat officials were implying that Butler didn’t play his hardest in the Heat’s home win over the Pelicans on Wednesday.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
4 Jan. 2025
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Butler was bothered after the discussion because Butler and his agent perceived that Heat officials were implying that Butler didn’t play his hardest in the Heat’s home win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
3 Jan. 2025
Noun
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His removal makes our nation less secure and is a terrible portent for what's to come.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
16 Jan. 2025
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The series’ treading-water quality feels like a portent, one that warns us Hollywood’s prequel formula won’t ever dare to change.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
17 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Officials said the men weren’t prepared for the weather conditions, which included predictions of snow, sleet and rain.—
Helena Wegner,
Miami Herald,
23 Jan. 2025
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See more of our Oscar nominations predictions here.—
Brian Truitt,
USA TODAY,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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But, as of now, Guerin’s anticipating re-signing Rossi — not trading him — whether to a bridge deal or a long-term deal.—
Michael Russo,
The Athletic,
27 Dec. 2024
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Stay ahead by anticipating the skills your organization will need and aligning hiring practices accordingly.—
Mo Hamzian,
Forbes,
27 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near foreshadowing
Cite this Entry
“Foreshadowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foreshadowing. Accessed 4 Feb. 2025.
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