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

And Fee Structures​ Performance agency pricing varies widely, and opacity in pricing can often foreshadow opacity in results. — Tyler Jordan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Throughout the season, there seems to be foreshadowing that something bad might happen to Robby. — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 16 Aug. 2026

Rising levels of poor health also foreshadow higher long-term public spending on health, which can crowd out investments in infrastructure, education, and technology; all are critical to sustained growth. — Pooja Kumar, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

The Pax Mongolica also foreshadowed later forms of global commerce. — Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 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