foresight

noun

fore·​sight ˈfȯr-ˌsīt How to pronounce foresight (audio)
Synonyms of foresight
1
: an act or the power of foreseeing : prescience
Through foresight she could tell what the outcome would be.
2
: provident care : prudence
had the foresight to invest his money wisely
3
: an act of looking forward
also : a view forward
foresighted
ˈfȯr-ˌsī-təd How to pronounce foresight (audio)
adjective
foresightedly adverb
foresightedness noun
foresightful
ˈfȯr-ˌsīt-fəl How to pronounce foresight (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of foresight

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Examples of foresight in a Sentence

They had the foresight to invest the money wisely. His career choice shows a lack of foresight.
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.
But having the foresight to close a few doors can help make the best of a bad situation. — Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026 Today, such foresight remains almost hard to fathom. — Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 This is how a title is won, with prudence and luck and a foresight that becomes apparent in the afterglow of victory. — Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 14 June 2026 Strategic foresight and anticipatory risk were at the top. — Christine Lentz, Fortune, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for foresight

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foresight was in the 14th century

Rhymes for foresight

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Browse Nearby Words

foreside
foresight
foresighted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foresight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foresight. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

foresight

noun
fore·​sight ˈfō(ə)r-ˌsīt How to pronounce foresight (audio)
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
1
: the act or power of foreseeing
2
: care or preparation for the future
had the foresight to invest his money wisely
foresighted
-ˌsīt-əd How to pronounce foresight (audio)
adjective
foresightedly adverb
foresightedness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on foresight

Nglish: Translation of foresight for Spanish Speakers

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