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

There wasn’t mention of the drubbing that the Rams took in its opener against the 49ers, but that was perhaps foreshadowed by McVay during his interview. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2026

Still, Federer isn’t ready to accept that the breaking of a 149-year streak will foreshadow the death of one of tennis’ most beloved shots. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Katie Mattic's dream and the crack in the chimney, her daughters say, foreshadowed the fracture that was to come. — Nicole Avery Nichols, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Last year's hearing foreshadowed today's battle The project has been steeped in controversy. — Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 10 Sep. 2026

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