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
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Given that Tom rose to fame as the most recent actor to portray Peter Parker and Spider-Man in Sony's Spider-Man film franchise, the home video moment could be seen as foreshadowing for the superhero actor's career. Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026 Meanwhile, quarterback Jalen Hurts, speaking at his first news conference of the offseason Wednesday, seemed to foreshadow the inevitable. Daniel Popper, New York Times, 29 May 2026 Knicks fans have been leaning into the joke, posting TikTok edits foreshadowing Gotham-like anarchy. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 27 May 2026 The Drama Desk Awards have long foreshadowed triumphs at the Tony Awards. Marc Hershberg, Forbes.com, 23 May 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 8 Jun. 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

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