FORERUNNER Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

forerunner

noun

ˈfȯr-ˌrə-nər

Definition of forerunner

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

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

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

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.

Recent Examples of forerunner In 2007, the Oatley family opened Qualia, their 30-acre flagship property and the forerunner of Australia’s luxury lodges. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 While Bass remains widely viewed as the forerunner, recent polling suggests the race might be tightening heading into the final days before the June 2 primary. — Teresa Liu, Daily News, 29 May 2026 Under Revie, over the course of the next 13 seasons, Leeds won promotion, were champions of England twice, won the League Cup, the FA Cup and twice lifted the Fairs Cup (the forerunner of the UEFA Cup, now the Europa League). — Michael Walker, New York Times, 22 May 2026 The brand was also a forerunner with exclusive collaborations. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for forerunner

Recent Examples of Synonyms for forerunner

Noun

But outside spending groups supporting Marshall and opposing Hamilton have already made major television ad buys this month — a precursor to what’s expected to be an expensive election cycle.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 11 Aug. 2026
Less wealthy associations within and outside the confederation have relied heavily on FIFA funds via Infantino’s FIFA Forward program, the precursor to FFE, which was introduced by him in 2016.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of precursor

Noun

My three sons are 13th generation Americans whose ancestors fought as Patriots during the Revolutionary War.

— David Neil, New York Daily News, 15 Aug. 2026
Visitors strolled through the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens Saturday morning to kick off Obon Weekend, a traditional Japanese festival honoring the spirits of ancestors.

— Mike Stocker, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of ancestor

Noun

The Grubman scandal, especially, serves as a harbinger of darkness to come.

— Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
Then, after a series of eerie harbingers, the Platts discover the power and water in the house have shut off in the aftermath of an intense storm, and the atmosphere outside has turned unsettling and oddly tropical.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of harbinger

Noun

If a major manufacturer takes what these students have learned and turns it into something that can be built at scale, the impact could reach far beyond this prototype.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Developed by Cleora with 3D-printing contractor True North and technology provider RIC Robotics, the project aims to demonstrate that robotic construction can move beyond prototypes and support entire neighborhoods.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of prototype

Noun

But that agreement, which had already effectively collapsed, officially expired on Monday with no sign of a breakthrough and as tensions have escalated.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
On-again, off-again negotiations have shown little sign of a breakthrough, encouraging oil producers and Gulf nations to seek out other trade routes, some of which are already transporting millions of barrels each day.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of sign

Browse Nearby Words

forerun

forerunner

forerunners

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Style

“Forerunner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forerunner. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of forerunner

noun

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