foreshadow

verb

fore·​shad·​ow fȯr-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō 

foreshadowed; foreshadowing; foreshadows

transitive verb

: to represent, indicate, or typify beforehand : prefigure

The hero's predicament is foreshadowed in the first chapter.

foreshadower

fȯr-ˈsha-də-wər 

noun

Synonyms of foreshadow

• prefigure
• predict
• imply
• herald
• anticipate
• adumbrate
• foresee
• harbinger

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

Edwards loves researching the period, and coming to understand how a piece of clothing or a swatch of fabric can help determine the fate of a character and foreshadow an outcome. —David John Chávez, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025

Fiyero’s Transformation Fiyero’s transformation is foreshadowed. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 22 Nov. 2025

In that respect, the Thuringian experiment already foreshadowed the imminent demise of Hermann Müller’s government. —Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025

The biggest decreases, Apple and Bank of America, had been foreshadowed by hints in Berkshire's 10-Q almost two weeks ago. —Alex Crippen, CNBC, 15 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foreshadow

• overshadow
• caddo

Kids Definition

foreshadow

verb

fore·​shad·​ow -ˈshad-ō 

: to give a hint or suggestion of beforehand

foreshadower noun