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

Example 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

An 1867 painting lent by the Autry Museum of the American West shows an arriving train as a herald of progress, with deer fleeing its oncoming beam. —

Anne Wallentine, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Oct. 2024 North Carolina has entered into the season of false fall, the yearly period near the end of summer when its residents get teased by beautiful cool days that feel like a herald of a season change, only to be whipsawed by a looming heat wave. —

Zachery Eanes, Axios, 9 Sep. 2024

Verb

The technologists pushing the AI buildout are heralding AI not just as having the potential to transform business productivity, but as one of the most important developments in human history. —

Rob Wile, NBC News, 8 Jan. 2025 The big picture may appear rosy, but execs are bracing for a rough patch The new year begins with plenty of momentum, propelled by a financially stunning 2024 and heralded by a swarm of headlines suggesting that more of the same is in store for 2025. —

Greg Petro, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for herald

Recent Examples of Synonyms for herald

Noun

Today marks School Choice Week, a time when advocates of educational freedom highlight and promote the value of school choice.

— The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 28 Jan. 2025
Transgender rights advocates claim there are as many as 15,000 transgender service members in the U.S. military, though a RAND Corporation study from 2016 found the number to be in the low thousands.

— Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Jan. 2025