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.
Debt, the deficit and high interest rates limit the government’s ability to increase spending and foreshadow disputes over how to fund campaign promises without jeopardizing social programs. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026 Most notably, there’s a stash of pre-debut songs that show how broad his stylistic range was from the beginning, foreshadowing his later adventures in roots, country and pre-rock balladry. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2026 When a doddering Joe Biden threatened the party’s hold on the White House and foreshadowed a 2024 congressional wipeout, Pelosi used her considerable influence to not so gently ease the president aside as Democrats’ nominee for the White House. — Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 What Paltrow and other Hollywood stars put on camera tends to foreshadow what the mass wellness market tries to sell next. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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