foreshadow
verb
fore·shad·ow
fȯr-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō 
foreshadowed; foreshadowing; foreshadows
: to represent, indicate, or typify beforehand : prefigure
The hero's predicament is foreshadowed in the first chapter.
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
Those contentious talks foreshadowed the extended lockout in the winter before the 2022 season.
—
Andy McCullough, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
The shift reflects a broader transformation in how AI labor is valued—one that is reshaping workplace norms and could foreshadow similar pressures in other sectors as automation and innovation accelerate.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026
Just a few months later in the Western Conference finals of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Dallas Stars foreshadowed what one Olympic team could look like.
—Lia Assimakopoulos
dallas Stars, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
Although violence has often foreshadowed elections in Bangladesh, analysts say this vote is widely seen as especially volatile.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foreshadow
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.
Andy McCullough, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2026
The shift reflects a broader transformation in how AI labor is valued—one that is reshaping workplace norms and could foreshadow similar pressures in other sectors as automation and innovation accelerate.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 17 Feb. 2026
Just a few months later in the Western Conference finals of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Dallas Stars foreshadowed what one Olympic team could look like.
—Lia Assimakopoulos
dallas Stars, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
Although violence has often foreshadowed elections in Bangladesh, analysts say this vote is widely seen as especially volatile.
—Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for foreshadow
Cite this Entry
“Foreshadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreshadow. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
foreshadow
verb
fore·shad·ow
-ˈshad-ō
: to give a hint or suggestion of beforehand
foreshadower
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
