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

• adumbrate
• forerun
• harbinger
• herald
• prefigure

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

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

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