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.
Other Democratic lawmakers have also foreshadowed public hearings and probes about the matter and have supported the state attorneys general lawsuit seeking to stop Paramount’s expansion plan. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 His striking soprano may have foreshadowed her own music career, but their experiences didn’t inspire her to fully embrace her heritage until much later. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 Back in King’s Landing, Rhaenyra comes to find that her prisoner Helaena has taken her own life but left a parting gift for the queen that foreshadows a potential prophecy of Rhaenyra’s path towards madness. — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 9 Aug. 2026 Did Matt write Leo’s character specifically to foreshadow that? — Matt Minton, Variety, 8 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 16 Aug. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on foreshadow

Nglish: Translation of foreshadow for Spanish Speakers

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