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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recall, dearest reader, that the Season 4 trailer foreshadowed their getaway with a steamy shot of Benedict emerging from a lake. Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 Jan. 2026 Analysts are now looking to see further evidence of Apple's AI strategy, strong iPhone 17 demand that was foreshadowed in the previous quarter's results and whether memory costs are actually affecting its gross margins. Pia Singh, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026 Those numbers, above the Fed’s preferred 2% mark, foreshadow a lack of movement in interest rates this week. Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026 Sadly, Ilya may still have to do this, as foreshadowed by his brother’s homophobia and his disillusionment with Russia writ large. Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 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 31 Jan. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on foreshadow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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