foretaste

1 of 2

noun

fore·​taste ˈfȯr-ˌtāst 

1

: a small anticipatory sample

2

: an advance indication or warning

foretaste

2 of 2

verb

fore·​taste fȯr-ˈtāst  ˈfȯr-ˌtāst 

foretasted; foretasting; foretastes

transitive verb

: to taste beforehand : anticipate

Choose the Right Synonym for foretaste

prospect, outlook, anticipation, foretaste mean an advance realization of something to come.

prospect implies expectation of a particular event, condition, or development of definite interest or concern.

the prospect of a quiet weekend

outlook suggests a forecasting of the future.

a favorable outlook for the economy

anticipation implies a prospect or outlook that involves advance suffering or enjoyment of what is foreseen.

the anticipation of her arrival

foretaste implies an actual though brief or partial experience of something forthcoming.

the frost was a foretaste of winter

Examples of foretaste in a Sentence

Noun

These layoffs are only a foretaste of what's to come.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer’s financial performance could be a foretaste of how U.S. chip export controls to China affect tech companies. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2024

What is on track to happen in South Korea offers a foretaste of what lies in store for the rest of the world. —Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024

The missile launch that interrupted the social night out was a foretaste of Pyongyang’s ability to throw a monkey wrench into regional relations. —Michael Auslin, Foreign Affairs, 16 Feb. 2017

Inside the learning area, zookeepers display live animals in a foretaste of what campers will see next week. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

foretaste

noun

fore·​taste

ˈfō(ə)r-ˌtāst,

ˈfȯ(ə)r-

: a sample or partial experience of something that will not be fully experienced until later

the cold day was a foretaste of winter