flash-forward

noun

flash-for·​ward ˈflash-ˈfȯr-wərd How to pronounce flash-forward (audio)
: interruption of chronological sequence (as in a film or novel) by interjection of events of future occurrence
also : an instance of flash-forward
flash forward intransitive verb

Examples of flash-forward in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The musical ends with a flash-forward to a holiday dinner, and a pregnancy, and a newborn, in a triumphalist sequence that suggests the anti-mask, anti-vaccine movement has liberated society at last. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2024 In one prophetic flash-forward, Paul stands face-to-face with his sister (played by an uncredited Anya Taylor-Joy), though the events of the film take place entirely before her birth. Peter Debruge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024 By ending in a flash-forward sequence following present-day Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) bringing news to present-day George (James Fleet), the series was able to convey that their love was everlasting and made the episode the best of the season. Ew Staff Published, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2023 The series used multiple timelines, showing stories that took place in the present as well as flashbacks to the siblings’ childhood and flash-forwards to later years. Stephanie Wenger, Peoplemag, 24 Jan. 2024 In contrast, modern television shows offer multiple storylines and characters, along with flashbacks, flash-forwards and dream sequences. Anna Mattson, Scientific American, 10 Jan. 2024 In the third episode, we’re treated to graduation ceremonies and a flash-forward to a couple of months on the job. Sam Russek, The New Republic, 20 Oct. 2023 And while Heather is evidently putting last season's drama behind her, the episode featured a dramatic flash-forward scene to the cast's trip to Bermuda, which will air later this season. Maggie Kreienberg, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2023 The series used multiple timelines, showing stories that take place in the present as well as flashbacks to the siblings’ childhood and flash-forwards to later years. Kelly Martinez, Peoplemag, 24 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flash-forward.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flash-forward was in 1928

Dictionary Entries Near flash-forward

Cite this Entry

“Flash-forward.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flash-forward. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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