1
as in precursor
one that announces or indicates the later arrival of another
the return of the swallows is traditionally regarded as a forerunner of spring
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in ancestor
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed
enjoyed the demonstration of the simple hand loom that was the forerunner of today's computer-controlled looms
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of forerunner
The result is essentially a hybrid species similar in appearance to its extinct forerunner.
—
Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
Yet this brand of Christian Zionism is clearly the forerunner to today’s – and holds sway in Washington.
—Shalom Goldman, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2025
Most of the forerunners of modern Zionism saw themselves as secular.
—Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2025
While his Late Night forerunner Letterman was probably the comedic polestar of Generation X—gruff, cynical, and biting the hand that fed—O’Brien became a bedrock influence for the next generation of Millennial comics.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forerunner
Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025
Yet this brand of Christian Zionism is clearly the forerunner to today’s – and holds sway in Washington.
—Shalom Goldman, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2025
Most of the forerunners of modern Zionism saw themselves as secular.
—Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2025
While his Late Night forerunner Letterman was probably the comedic polestar of Generation X—gruff, cynical, and biting the hand that fed—O’Brien became a bedrock influence for the next generation of Millennial comics.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forerunner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forerunner
Noun
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CSAs have often been precursors to broader agreements among countries.—
Ngaire Woods,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
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Many people at Saturday’s protest worried that the ruling could be the precursor to other judgments that diminish the rights of transgender people.—
Kwiyeon Ha and Pan Pylas,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Like all Guna, Lisa’s ancestors were not native island dwellers.—
Mark Johanson,
AFAR Media,
22 Apr. 2025
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Water bottle The modern-day source of water for many people—their water bottle—may be just as germ-filled as our ancient ancestors’ go-to watering hole.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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While the stock market has proven to be one real-time tariff pulse, what’s happening on the water could be a harbinger of what’s to come.—
Alexis Simendinger,
The Hill,
24 Apr. 2025
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The 1888 election revealed tensions among Democrats, primarily over the tariff, that became a harbinger of the party’s struggles in 1896.—
Adam M. Silver,
The Conversation,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In the third round range, the Bills generally rely on a prototype for certain positions — defensive end among them — to give their picks the best chance to succeed in the NFL.—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
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Slice an ambitious goal into micro-wins—a prototype, a key call, a test launch.—
Adam Levine,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In some alternate realities, both Norrin Radd and Shalla-Bal have served as heralds of Galactus.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
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The authors of the Yale study sincerely see themselves as heralds of empirical science, whatever the political ramifications.—
Michael Hiltzik,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Additionally, self-care can sometimes be a sign of confidence and longevity, rather than simply personal maintenance.—
Rhiannon Frater,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2025
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Talks are ongoing between the U.S. and teams from Kyiv and Moscow, but Washington threatened last week to quit negotiations if there was no imminent signs of compromise.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Instead of encountering the risen Lord, these women see two angels.—
Eliza Griswold,
New Yorker,
19 Apr. 2025
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Bruno Ganz, in an unforgettable performance, plays an angel who can hear the thoughts of the denizens of Berlin and decides to give up his immortality to join them.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forerunner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forerunner. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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