HERALD Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of herald are forerunner , harbinger , 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: In what contexts can 'forerunner' take the place of 'herald'?

Although the words forerunner and herald have much in common, forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage. // the blockade was the forerunner of war

Q: When is it sensible to use 'precursor' instead of 'herald'?

While in some cases nearly identical to herald , 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

herald 1 of 2

noun

ˈher-əld

Definition of herald next

as in advocate

a person who actively supports or favors a cause an outspoken herald of prison reform

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in harbinger

one that announces or indicates the later arrival of another the American robin—the herald of spring in the North

Synonyms & Similar Words

herald

2 of 2

verb

as in to foreshadow

to give a slight indication of beforehand the reshuffle of the company's management heralded the sweeping changes to come

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to announce

to make known openly or publicly herald the great tidings to all the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word herald distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of herald are forerunner, harbinger, 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

In what contexts can forerunner take the place of herald?

Although the words forerunner and herald have much in common, forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage.

the blockade was the forerunner of war

When is it sensible to use precursor instead of herald?

While in some cases nearly identical to herald, 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

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of herald

Noun

So whether a Vance pick heralds a generally populist and restrained Trump team — or whether Trump will try to balance him with Mike Pompeos and Tom Cottons — remains to be seen. —

Megan McArdle, Washington Post, 15 July 2024 Although some herald green hydrogen as lower cost than hydrogen made from natural gas (blue or gray), such predictions assume a physical scaling up of production that has not yet occurred. —

S. Julio Friedmann, Foreign Affairs, 15 Sep. 2022

Verb

Drag slider compare photos The turnaround has been heralded by Casitas General Manager Mike Flood as the fastest rebound in the lake's history, according to reports in the Ventura County Star, with water going over the dam's spillway in April 2024—something last seen in 1998. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 This heralded a bold commitment to citizen participation in using extractive industry revenues for more sustainable development and led to the development of important policies and procedures for managing the country’s Oil Fund. —

Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for herald

Recent Examples of Synonyms for herald

Noun

In high-performing leadership teams, each leader is not only seen as a subject matter expert but also as a passionate advocate for the company’s goals, fostering trust and alignment across all stakeholders.

Marina Cvetkovic, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
But, over the past decade, disability rights advocates have increasingly pushed companies to end the lower pay practice, describing it as discriminatory, dehumanizing and exploitative.

Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024