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

And the angelic youth Dorian Gray’s deadly descent into vanity and vice—ignited by a hubristic obsession with his own image—eerily foreshadows the grim trajectory of Wilde’s later years. — Hannah Aizenman, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026

Her life with George Harrison was foreshadowed by a visit to a gallery in Rome. — Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, 5 Oct. 2026

Early on, there’s a moment that foreshadows what the real debate is (or should be). — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026

Amazon recently blocked Muse’s AI agent from accessing its store, and some experts say the move could foreshadow a dilemma for online businesses. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 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