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

However, Kimmel’s win didn’t foreshadow a change in the winner for Outstanding Game Show. — Peter White, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026

His performance and leadership could foreshadow a dramatic improvement in Mizzou’s subpar passing game last season. — Pj Green september 4, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026

And his cynical dealings in Washington foreshadowed a toxification of US politics that now runs rampant. — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026

While purple has come to represent Swift’s Speak Now era, during that London outing, Swift wore a lilac purple dress with flowers, which fans are convinced foreshadows the primary color and aesthetics of the singer’s 13th LP. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 30 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