herald 1 of 2

Definition of heraldnext

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

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 movie heralds from FilmNation Entertainment’s production label Infrared, Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions, and Assemble Media. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2026 New studies, however, clearly show that medical marijuana is not nearly as effective as the pro-marijuana lobby heralds. Mike Gimbel, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
Water fluoridation has been heralded as one of the top public health initiatives of the last century for its ability to fight cavities. Kaan Ozcan, NBC news, 13 Apr. 2026 Baisakhi heralds the beginning of the harvest season in Punjab, and farmers come together to celebrate the abundance provided by nature. Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for herald
Recent Examples of Synonyms for herald
Noun
  • Community leaders, business owners and advocates met in Denver over the weekend looking for solutions to rising costs, workforce shortages, and immigration challenges.
    Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Vaqueiro, 38, has become the fresh face of Spanish-language news after Jorge Ramos, who achieved prominence as a forceful advocate for Latino immigrants during his 40 years on the air, signed off from rival Univision in late 2024.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Special election was 'harbinger for Democratic enthusiasm' The polling numbers may not play out, but the voter turnout for Shawn Harris in Georgia's 14th district earlier this month bodes well for Democrats across the state.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
  • In recent years, there have also been reports of vandalism and attacks on robotaxis and delivery robots, which some see as harbingers of a high-tech future not everyone asked for.
    Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • His comments upon exiting might have foreshadowed the current difficulties.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Walton’s response to being denied a chance to make money off the Hula Hoop craze in the late 1950s foreshadowed a critical part of the Walmart DNA that can be seen in 2026 with the retailer’s purchase of the television company Vizio.
    Steve Lackmeyer, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The group announced the new mutual aid market on social media, citing community concerns over rising costs as the motivation behind the move.
    Christa Swanson, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • The project is a longstanding proposal that Beijing has previously announced.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But proponents see the redistricting push in Virginia as a necessary reaction after Republicans launched similar actions in states like Texas, North Carolina and Missouri.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026
  • While the proponents of this plan promise lower rates and more local control, the reality is far more dangerous.
    Chris Cate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Williams had managed traditional Tex-Mex restaurants that were the forerunner of today’s Mercado Juarez Cafes.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
  • The camp is a program of the Woodcraft Rangers, founded by author and naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton, whose pioneering Woodcraft Rangers program was a forerunner to groups such as the Boy Scouts.
    Jessie Dax-Setkus, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • These tools help predict how a candidate will handle challenges, collaborate, and fit into your team.
    Karla Vallecillo, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026
  • At these critical points, theory predicts that entanglement may spike dramatically, but models often fail to describe what actually happens.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Second-year guard Saniya Rivers, who proclaimed herself head coach Rachid Meziane‘s favorite, even convinced the French head coach to perform the viral scuba dance with her.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
  • In a ceremony at Victory Ford in Kansas City, Kansas, less than two miles from the speedway, Thursday was proclaimed Dystany Spurlock Day in Kansas City by KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas and the Kansas House of Representatives.
    PJ Green April 17, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Herald.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/herald. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on herald

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster