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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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
The Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer’s financial performance could be a foretaste of how U.S. chip export controls to China affect tech companies.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for foretaste
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
The Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer’s financial performance could be a foretaste of how U.S. chip export controls to China affect tech companies.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for foretaste
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foretaste
Noun
-
Listeria monocytogenes can survive and grow under refrigeration and may cause mild symptoms in healthy individuals but can lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, or severe and sometimes fatal infections in vulnerable populations.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
26 Feb. 2026
-
But the more-severe version is life-threatening, according to the FDA, and symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.—
Rebecca Cohen,
NBC news,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Watching father and daughter execute each fatal scenario gives us a remarkable glimpse into their relationship — and the catharsis that comes with the creative process itself.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
21 Feb. 2026
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Eric Dane’s girlfriend, photographer and director Janell Shirtcliff, paid tribute to the late actor Saturday with several tender glimpses at their relationship, following his death on Thursday from ALS.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Between feminine floral notes, subtle citrus hints, warm earthy touches, and robust musky undertones, there are so many fragrance types to explore, and why settle on just one?—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Expect some hints dropped this week.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The bit of glimmer is echoed in subtle flecks on the dancers’ shimmery white unitards.—
Lauren Warnecke,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The novel is famously austere, with mere glimmers of physical intimacy.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
At least two professors have warned that the Dominican Republic serves as a harbinger of what could happen in the United States.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Democratic victories in gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey last November — and overperformances in recent special elections — may be a harbinger of things to come.—
John Aguilar,
Denver Post,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The department, which said nonpayment rates can be an early indication that a school’s default rates is likely to increase, found 1,800 schools have nonrepayment rates at or above 25 percent.—
Lexi Lonas Cochran,
The Hill,
21 Feb. 2026
-
There's no indication that there's any sort of circumstance that would give the President the unilateral authority to order military action.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Picture a waterfront bustling with bobbing fishing boats and the air tinged with the scent of fresh seafood, as San Hing Praya Street and Pak She Praya Road dish out alfresco dining scenes straight out of a sunset lover's dream.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Feb. 2026
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For the floral fans among us who don’t actually love the smell of roses and tulips (hi, that’s me), Cowgirl Grass offers a refreshing, slightly sweet alternative to cloying flowery scents.—
Irene Richardson,
InStyle,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foretaste.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foretaste. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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