herald 1 of 2

herald

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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
In the original comics, the Silver Surfer was Norrin Radd, a male astronomer from the planet Zenn-La who became the herald of Galactus. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 Red Eye’s autonomy—its ability to decide, react, and dominate without a human in the loop—heralds a shift in warfare’s DNA. Amir Husain, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
The festival, which is heralded as one of the greenest music festivals in the scene, is a climate-positive and zero-waste event. Audrey Gibbs, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 How are lawmakers reacting? Republicans heralded Friday’s decision by the Supreme Court. Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for herald
Recent Examples of Synonyms for herald
Noun
  • No serious advocate for diversity programs argues against hiring the best candidate for the job.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025
  • Higgins, a candidate for mayor in the city of Miami, chairs the County Commission’s Transportation committee and has been the board’s main advocate of the Northeast project.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • In 2012, the Wythe was a harbinger of things to come in Williamsburg.
    Katherine LaGrave, AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
  • Thus, the early activity in the Pacific isn't likely a harbinger of storms to come in the Atlantic.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Knowing And Just Like That, the show may be foreshadowing a grand gesture from Aidan that arrives just as Carrie is beginning to have feelings for Duncan.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 27 June 2025
  • In March, the the Monitor’s View foreshadowed the impact of the foreign aid cuts: These cuts by wealthier countries, predict many aid experts, are having dramatic consequences for the world’s most vulnerable people.
    Evelyne Musambi, Christian Science Monitor, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Just days ago, Elon Musk announced that Tesla’s Robotaxis would begin official testing in Austin, Texas.
    Utkarsh Sood June 29, New Atlas, 29 June 2025
  • As of June 2025, sources told Variety that Netflix currently has no plans to announce a Squid Game spinoff.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • The legendary rapper was quickly cremated, which his mother was a proponent of, but Knight stated that Pac had different plans for his funeral.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 1 July 2025
  • Much like Gen Z, who are proponents of manifesting success, King agrees that there’s power in thinking positively.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The killer is a man who, for all his delusions, pokes at the other men’s complacency and domesticity — making this thriller a forerunner of everything from Easy Rider to The Hitcher to Collateral. 20.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • Here is a look at some of the most likely forerunners to serve as the 267th pope, according to public reporting.
    Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Other state public health laws, regulations, and services protect people who are suicidal from caregivers, medical professionals, and family members who might encourage self-harm, but suspends these protections if a doctor predicts the person has less than six months to live.
    Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
  • The local National Weather Service office is predicting storms moving east-northeast at 20 mph.
    Jenny Porter Tilley, The Courier-Journal, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this month, Massey posted a social media video proclaiming his innocence.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • In it, Weger proclaimed his innocence. DNA testing on items, including Weger’s coat and hair found in the victims’ fists, showed the evidence had been contaminated.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Herald.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/herald. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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