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.
Shortly thereafter, Biden pardoned five of his family members, including his brother James, a move that was foreshadowed in the weeks before leaving office. Kaelan Deese, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Jan. 2025 Not to foreshadow the end of Dellinger, but there was this great message that the enlightened are not welcome here. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025 That may have been some foreshadowing, as the Flyers remain in a rebuild and are going to be open to moving certain players for future assets, particularly when those players are 30 years old and carry a $5.1 AAV for two seasons after this one. Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 Unfortunately, Congress' willingness to boost benefits for some, without dealing with the system's inability to pay future benefits for all, foreshadows the continued inability of governing body to confront and solve the program's deep and ongoing red ink. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 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 29 Jan. 2025.

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

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