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

The film smartly foreshadows what will befall Alma and Maggie and Hank. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026

This solid resin, used to embalm the dead and as a painkiller (mixed with wine), poignantly foreshadowed Jesus' sacrificial destiny. —Nadia Cantú, AZCentral.com, 6 Jan. 2026

This matchup had a tournament feel to it and could possibly foreshadow a third matchup in the state tournament. —Mukala Kabongo, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026

But as the double-reserve set the tone for the first half, the near-interception foreshadowed Jennings’ second half. —Kyle Kensing, Dallas Morning News, 3 Jan. 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