FORETASTE Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'foretaste' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of foretaste are anticipation , outlook , and prospect . While all these words mean "an advance realization of something to come," foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming. // the frost was a foretaste of winter

Q: Where would 'anticipation' be a reasonable alternative to 'foretaste'?

In some situations, the words anticipation and foretaste are roughly equivalent. However, anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen. // the anticipation of her arrival

Q: When would 'outlook' be a good substitute for 'foretaste'?

The words outlook and foretaste can be used in similar contexts, but outlook suggests a forecasting of the future. // a favorable outlook for the economy

Q: When can 'prospect' be used instead of 'foretaste'?

The synonyms prospect and foretaste are sometimes interchangeable, but prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern. // the prospect of a quiet weekend

foretaste

noun

Definition of foretaste

as in symptom

somewhat formal a small or short experience of something that will not be fully experienced until later The sudden cold snap gave us a foretaste of winter. These layoffs are only a foretaste of what's to come.

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How does the noun foretaste differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of foretaste are anticipation, outlook, and prospect. While all these words mean "an advance realization of something to come," foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

Where would anticipation be a reasonable alternative to foretaste?

In some situations, the words anticipation and foretaste are roughly equivalent. However, anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

When would outlook be a good substitute for foretaste?

The words outlook and foretaste can be used in similar contexts, but outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

When can prospect be used instead of foretaste?

The synonyms prospect and foretaste are sometimes interchangeable, but prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

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 foretaste Indeed, during his time in office, Frick delivered a foretaste of what could be expected if the National Socialists came to power nationally. — Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 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 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 In fact, the first use of lethal injection by Texas in 1982 gave a foretaste of some of the problems that would later come to characterize the method of execution. — Austin Sarat, The Conversation, 29 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for foretaste

Recent Examples of Synonyms for foretaste

Noun

Officials said the woman developed respiratory symptoms in mid-October and was diagnosed with influenza A.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Early symptoms can include exhaustion, weakness, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of symptom

Noun

His evolution in the outfield stood out after Bellinger got a glimpse of his potential playing alongside Crow-Armstrong during his first big-league call-up in September 2023, then in his 2024 rookie season.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026
This discovery, described in detail in a recent study, is particularly important because the meteorite does not simply offer another glimpse of ancient Mars.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of glimpse

Noun

Kennedy, who had served six years in the House and eight in the Senate before entering the White House, explained, with more than a hint of frustration, that passing major legislation in Congress is extraordinarily difficult.

— John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
It's supposed to be nice on Tuesday, high of 64 and a hint of rain.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of hint

Noun

After two years in power-play purgatory under assistant coach Newell Brown, during which the Kings placed 29th cumulatively, there’s finally a glimmer of hope for the power play with first-time NHL assistant Ray Whitney.

— Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026
Wednesday’s loss didn’t have a glimmer of a comeback, resulting in an exhausting slog toward the final margin.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of glimmer

Noun

In Korea and Japan, for example, robots are viewed as reliable, time-saving helpers, not professional rivals or harbingers of doom.

— Jennifer Byrne, Popular Science, 4 Nov. 2026
The hottest topics waffle between Nick Sirianni’s job security and the treatment of Jalen Hurts’ blood clots, none exactly harbingers of good news.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of harbinger

Noun

Nonresidential construction jobs also jumped by almost 3,000 roles in October, likely an indication of demand for data center jobs.

— Steve Kopack, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2026
Nyan’s carrier trials provide an early indication of how relatively small strike drones could fit into naval aviation.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of indication

Noun

The bath products are from one of my favorite local producers, Harnn, who created a scent exclusively for Kromo.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Each can be worn solo or layered for a custom concoction—whatever the case, each cozy scent is bound to be a hit with the mom who always makes the holidays so memorable.

— Kara Nesvig, Allure, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of scent

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“Foretaste.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foretaste. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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