foreshadow

verb

fore·​shad·​ow fȯr-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce foreshadow (audio)
foreshadowed; foreshadowing; foreshadows
Synonyms of foreshadow

transitive verb

: to represent, indicate, or typify beforehand : prefigure
The hero's predicament is foreshadowed in the first chapter.
foreshadower
fȯr-ˈsha-də-wər How to pronounce foreshadow (audio)
noun

Synonyms of foreshadow

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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
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.
And his cynical dealings in Washington foreshadowed a toxification of US politics that now runs rampant. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 While purple has come to represent Swift’s Speak Now era, during that London outing, Swift wore a lilac purple dress with flowers, which fans are convinced foreshadows the primary color and aesthetics of the singer’s 13th LP. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2026 Still, the fairly standard mid-tempo grooves do little to foreshadow the sonic revelations that were soon to come. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Aug. 2026 Lee saw the events foreshadowing a dark future for his country and maybe the world — changes in technology and wealth leaving workers behind. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for foreshadow

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreshadow was in 1577

Rhymes for foreshadow

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Browse Nearby Words

foresey
foreshadow
foreshadowing
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Cite this Entry

“Foreshadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreshadow. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

foreshadow

verb
fore·​shad·​ow -ˈshad-ō How to pronounce foreshadow (audio)
: to give a hint or suggestion of beforehand
foreshadower noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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