foreshadow

verb

fore·​shad·​ow fȯr-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce foreshadow (audio)
foreshadowed; foreshadowing; foreshadows

transitive verb

: to represent, indicate, or typify beforehand : prefigure
The hero's predicament is foreshadowed in the first chapter.
foreshadower noun

Examples of foreshadow in a Sentence

Her early interest in airplanes foreshadowed her later career as a pilot. The hero's predicament is foreshadowed in the first chapter.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
And that would be a result foreshadowed by few of the country's pollsters. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 The moment just might've foreshadowed the film's success, said Hanks. Jessica Wang, EW.com, 31 Oct. 2024 In her introductory speech, Amanpour foreshadows what’s to come, warning that malefactors with enticing narratives can only manipulate us because of our eagerness to believe them. Inkoo Kang, The New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2024 Each vision is brief, shattering with a scream, but effectively unsettling in leaving new breadcrumbs of foreshadowing. Caroline Framke, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for foreshadow 

Word History

First Known Use

1577, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of foreshadow was in 1577

Dictionary Entries Near foreshadow

Cite this Entry

“Foreshadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/foreshadow. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

foreshadow

verb
fore·​shad·​ow -ˈshad-ō How to pronounce foreshadow (audio)
: to give a hint or suggestion of beforehand
foreshadower noun

More from Merriam-Webster on foreshadow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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