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

But given the massive investments well over 150 public companies have made in Bitcoin, the token’s recent downturn could indeed foreshadow difficult days ahead as investors desperately try to cut their losses. —Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 4 Feb. 2026

The Bryce Huff trade in the 2025 offseason foreshadowed the shortfall at edge rusher that led to the midseason acquisition of Jaelan Phillips. —Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026

Much of this turmoil is foreshadowed in the report's data, which largely spans from June 2024 to June 2025. —Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Feb. 2026

Francesca is visibly flustered in Michaela’s presence, foreshadowing a future connection. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 Jan. 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