flash-forward

noun

flash-for·​ward ˈflash-ˈfȯr-wərd 

: 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

That helps keep our rooting interests in line, which goes a long way toward a satisfying emotional payoff, even when the momentum ebbs and flows with every flash-forward, -back, and -sideways. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 13 Nov. 2026

In Lee’s movies, time tends to flow inexorably in a single direction, sans flashbacks (or flash-forwards). — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026

The spinoff, which portrays Gibbs as an up-and-comer in the early ’90s, has intimately involved Harmon as an executive producer and narrator, but not so much an on-screen presence until a present-day flash-forward story was added for season 3. — Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Oct. 2026

Li offers hints of how Field and Adelaide’s destiny came to pass, with a preface and short flash-forward scenes that striate the narrative. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for flash-forward

• henceforward
• straightforward
• thenceforward
• carryforward
• equatorward
• forward
• shoreward