herald 1 of 2

herald

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word herald distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of herald are forerunner, harbinger, and precursor. While all these words mean "one that goes before or announces the coming of another," 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

In what contexts can forerunner take the place of herald?

Although the words forerunner and herald have much in common, forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage.

the blockade was the forerunner of war

When is it sensible to use precursor instead of herald?

While in some cases nearly identical to herald, 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 herald
Noun
The launch of the Dragon 2 spacecraft and Falcon 9 booster—both created by SpaceX— heralds a new epoch when commercial, rather than government entities, take the lead in designing, delivering, and operating new spacecraft. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Oct. 2020 Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach star as the titular quartet, heroes who must defend the Earth against Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a ravenous space god who's hungry to devour the entire planet with the help of his herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). Shania Russell, EW.com, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
The Arctic tern is often heralded as the most impressive avian migrator for making the longest journey: a twice-yearly trip between Earth’s poles. Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025 The storm of activity heralding the new Bon Iver full-length Sable, Fable — including a gravlax pizza, a basketball tournament, and a light and chipper TV and podcast push — loudly insinuates that Vernon is deeply committed to having a better time now. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for herald
Recent Examples of Synonyms for herald
Noun
  • Some consumer advocates argue that individual people who are so often being targeted by businesses and government activities need their own AI agents to defend them.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • Community advocate Chrome Louis thanked those who offered support.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • While the stock market has proven to be one real-time tariff pulse, what’s happening on the water could be a harbinger of what’s to come.
    Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The 1888 election revealed tensions among Democrats, primarily over the tariff, that became a harbinger of the party’s struggles in 1896.
    Adam M. Silver, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In the first act, a handkerchief dangles in front of the audience which leads to foreshadowing in the second act.
    Aleah Wright, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Watching the earlier ephemerals foreshadows more beauty to unfold in the next several weeks.
    Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Emmy-winning historical drama will officially return for Season 2, FX announced on Wednesday, with physical production scheduled to begin in January in Vancouver.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 30 Apr. 2025
  • In addition to the increase in tariffs, Beijing announced export controls on several elements crucial to the production of high-tech products, Voice of America reported.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Roberts pressed one of the bill’s proponents about the measure’s shield law provision, which would prohibit Colorado authorities from removing a child receiving gender-affirming care from a parent’s home because of another state’s laws.
    Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 1 May 2025
  • While proponents of a missile corps like Lieberman may welcome such an acquisition, Israel has doubled down on using the air force as its foremost tool for offensive operations.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, VistaVision was the forerunner of IMAX 65mm, with its horizontal orientation.
    Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The company plans to recreate the mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine, by editing the genome of each species’ closest living relative to make a hybrid animal that would be visually indistinguishable from its extinct forerunner.
    Katie Hunt, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Analysts predict earnings of $0.72 per share with sales of $11.17 billion for the forthcoming report, compared to sales of $11.23 billion and earnings of $0.72 per share for the same quarter the previous year.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • No one predicted that diminutive quarterback Dillon Gabriel would go in the top 100 picks, but the Browns selected the Oregon passer at No. 94 Friday night.
    Zac Jackson, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • On May 8, 1914, Congress passed a law declaring the second Sunday of May as Mother’s Day and the next day President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the official holiday, proclaiming it also as a holiday to honor mothers whose sons had died in war.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 2 May 2025
  • Dolly’s announcement proclaimed on the show’s website.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 2 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Herald.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/herald. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on herald

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!