foreshadow

verb

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

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.
Bathrooms are expansive and clad in white marble, foreshadowing the scale of the sublime spa across the street. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 The moment was foreshadowed a week earlier when Gritty posted a photo on TikTok of the Penguins’ mascot. Ryan Brennan april 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Apr. 2026 The moment was foreshadowed a week earlier when Gritty posted a photo on TikTok of the Penguins’ mascot with Gritty lurking behind it, doing his signature staredown. Ryan Brennan april 23, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026 His comments upon exiting might have foreshadowed the current difficulties. Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foreshadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreshadow. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster