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

These decisions foreshadowed what was to come when the docket began. — Meena Shah, New York Daily News, 23 Aug. 2026

But as the timeline would foreshadow, the COVID-19 pandemic began shortly after, and the two made the decision to quarantine together. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Back in January, Hegseth’s top spokesman, Sean Parnell, foreshadowed changes to the publication, raising concerns inside the newsroom. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

The Duke of Sussex appeared to foreshadow the move during a conversation with singer Joss Stone at the WellChild Awards in September 2025. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 20 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