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
• grandaddy
• original
• antecedent
• granddaddy
• archetype
• model
• daddy
• mother
• foregoer
• sire
• father

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• descendant
• descendent
• 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

Jarry is often cited as a forerunner to the Dada, surrealist and futurist movements in the early 20th century and later, the theater of the absurd. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2025

Gilligan, who also created Saul’s forerunner Breaking Bad, will serve as writer and showrunner. —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 25 July 2025

The Council identified five policy stances that should anchor the party’s agenda: federal aid to education, a national health insurance program (the forerunner of Medicare), housing for the elderly, urban renewal, and a firm stance on civil rights. —Time, 23 July 2025

Also in 1884, the first meeting of Colored Teachers Association took place in Austin. 1889: Robertson Hill School, the city's first Black high school and forerunner of L.C. Anderson, was opened not far from Ebenezer Baptist Church near San Marcos and East 11th streets. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025