foretaste

1 of 2

noun

fore·​taste ˈfȯr-ˌtāst 

1

: a small anticipatory sample

2

: an advance indication or warning

foretaste

2 of 2

verb

fore·​taste fȯr-ˈtāst  ˈfȯr-ˌtāst 

foretasted; foretasting; foretastes

transitive verb

: to taste beforehand : anticipate

Choose the Right Synonym for foretaste

prospect, outlook, anticipation, foretaste mean an advance realization of something to come.

prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

Examples of foretaste in a Sentence

Noun

These layoffs are only a foretaste of what's to come.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Kent being put in the stocks was just a foretaste, which Lear himself understood. —Nan Z. Da june 10, Literary Hub, 10 June 2025

The Art Institute offered a foretaste of the collection through two exhibitions — one focused on Neoclassical paintings, the other on French Revolution-era drawings — in the fall. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025

Is this a foretaste of the next four years? —Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 22 Dec. 2024

What is on track to happen in South Korea offers a foretaste of what lies in store for the rest of the world. —Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foretaste

• aftertaste
• interfaced
• interlaced
• abased
• barefaced
• debased
• defaced
• disgraced
• displaced
• distaste
• effaced
• embraced

Kids Definition

foretaste

noun

fore·​taste

ˈfō(ə)r-ˌtāst,

ˈfȯ(ə)r-

: a sample or partial experience of something that will not be fully experienced until later

the cold day was a foretaste of winter