foreshadow

verb

fore·​shad·​ow fȯr-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce foreshadow (audio)
foreshadowed; foreshadowing; foreshadows

transitive verb

: to represent, indicate, or typify beforehand : prefigure
The hero's predicament is foreshadowed in the first chapter.
foreshadower noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the first act, a handkerchief dangles in front of the audience which leads to foreshadowing in the second act. Aleah Wright, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025 Watching the earlier ephemerals foreshadows more beauty to unfold in the next several weeks. Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025 Now, tariffs are bringing another round of uncertainty. Brexit, described by critics as a startling act of economic self-harm, foreshadowed the president’s tariffs, Mark Landler writes. Adam B. Kushner, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 This start is something pitching coach Ruben Niebla foreshadowed during spring training. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for foreshadow

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreshadow was in 1577

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Cite this Entry

“Foreshadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreshadow. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

foreshadow

verb
fore·​shad·​ow -ˈshad-ō How to pronounce foreshadow (audio)
: to give a hint or suggestion of beforehand
foreshadower noun

More from Merriam-Webster on foreshadow

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