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
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Walton’s response to being denied a chance to make money off the Hula Hoop craze in the late 1950s foreshadowed a critical part of the Walmart DNA that can be seen in 2026 with the retailer’s purchase of the television company Vizio. Steve Lackmeyer, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 Vingegaard also secured the best climber’s polka-dot jersey, and took the best sprinter’s green jersey in a show of force that foreshadowed another major battle with Pogačar at the Tour this summer. ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026 As a student at Dartmouth College, Dhillon doubled down on her political beliefs with a combativeness that foreshadowed her later commitment to MAGA. Quinta Jurecic, The Atlantic, 13 Apr. 2026 After Saturday’s game, Padres manager Craig Stammen kind of foreshadowed a second straight start at second base for Tatis. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 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

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Cite this Entry

“Foreshadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreshadow. Accessed 19 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

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