Synonyms of foreshadowing

foreshadowing 1 of 2

noun

fȯr-ˈsha-də-wiŋ 

as in forerunner

something believed to be a sign or warning of a future event

the hero's strange encounter with a grave digger is often seen as a foreshadowing of his own death

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forerunner
• hint
• precursor
• portent
• prediction
• omen
• foreboding
• presage
• suggestion
• herald
• prefiguring
• augury
• prophecy
• boding
• harbinger
• straw in the wind
• inkling
• foretaste
• badge
• forewarning
• auspice
• intimation
• forecast
• foretelling
• prognostication
• token
• divination
• mark
• note

foreshadowing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of foreshadow

as in predicting

to give a slight indication of beforehand

a series of small tremors that foreshadowed the massive earthquake the next day

Synonyms & Similar Words

• predicting
• prefiguring
• implying
• adumbrating
• anticipating
• heralding
• forerunning
• foreseeing
• foretelling
• harbingering
• suggesting
• prophesying
• forecasting
• foreknowing
• presaging
• forewarning
• prognosticating
• hinting
• foreboding
• portending
• alluding
• boding
• intimating
• promising
• auguring
• connoting
• insinuating

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of foreshadowing

Noun

With Hokum’s foreshadowing of a downbeat conclusion — and considering the rest of McCarthy’s filmography — Ohm’s survival feels unlikely. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 1 May 2026

The writer relies on an omniscient point of view, using foreshadowing and flashbacks as well as multiple locations. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026

Verb

The word also refers, indirectly, to the story itself, foreshadowing the twists and turns to come. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 24 July 2026

When asked if these renovations are foreshadowing an upcoming announcement — perhaps of Charlotte hosting a Super Bowl — Coleman said no plans are currently in place. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026