Synonyms of forerunner

forerunner

noun

ˈfȯr-ˌrə-nər 

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

• precursor
• harbinger
• herald
• sign
• angel
• symptom
• outrider
• foregoer
• foretaste
• messenger
• announcer
• runner
• advertiser
• proclaimer
• forewarning
• foreshadowing
• portent
• presage
• courier
• omen
• crier
• foreshadower
• foreboder
• bellwether
• auspice
• foreboding
• prefiguring
• augury
• blazoner
• boding
• mark

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

• precursor
• ancestor
• prototype
• predecessor
• originator
• antecedent
• original
• granddaddy
• archetype
• model
• daddy
• mother
• foregoer
• sire
• father

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• descendant
• offshoot
• by-product
• derivative
• outgrowth
• son
• daughter
• spin-off

Synonym Chooser

How is the word forerunner distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of forerunner are harbinger, herald, and precursor. While all these words mean "one that goes before or announces the coming of another," forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage.

the blockade was the forerunner of war

How do harbinger and herald relate to one another, in the sense of forerunner?

Harbinger and herald both apply, chiefly figuratively, to one that proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event.

their early victory was the harbinger of a winning season

the herald of a new age in medicine

When would precursor be a good substitute for forerunner?

The synonyms precursor and forerunner are sometimes interchangeable, but precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another.

18th century poets like Burns were precursors of the Romantics

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of forerunner

These were the forerunners of today’s robots. —Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026

Captain America was introduced in December 1940 by Timely Comics, the forerunner of Marvel. —Literary Hub, 27 Feb. 2026

And these projects may just be the forerunners. —Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026

Sheila Bridges also comes to mind as such a forerunner for our community, embracing the beauty of our heritage and culture. —Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026