foresight

noun

fore·​sight ˈfȯr-ˌsīt How to pronounce foresight (audio)
Synonyms of foresight
1
: an act or the power of foreseeing : prescience
Through foresight she could tell what the outcome would be.
2
: provident care : prudence
had the foresight to invest his money wisely
3
: an act of looking forward
also : a view forward
foresighted adjective
foresightedly adverb
foresightedness noun
foresightful adjective

Examples of foresight in a Sentence

They had the foresight to invest the money wisely. His career choice shows a lack of foresight.
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.
What once attracted criticism as dogma now looks like sensible foresight. Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 The advisors entrusted with guiding substantial fortunes must combine technical expertise, strategic foresight and an ability to serve clients whose financial lives often span businesses, generations and continents. Riley De León, CNBC, 22 June 2026 But having the foresight to close a few doors can help make the best of a bad situation. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026 This is how a title is won, with prudence and luck and a foresight that becomes apparent in the afterglow of victory. Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for foresight

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of foresight was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foresight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foresight. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

foresight

noun
fore·​sight ˈfō(ə)r-ˌsīt How to pronounce foresight (audio)
ˈfȯ(ə)r-
1
: the act or power of foreseeing
2
: care or preparation for the future
had the foresight to invest his money wisely
foresighted adjective
foresightedly adverb
foresightedness noun

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