forewarning

noun

fore·​warn·​ing fȯr-ˈwȯr-niŋ How to pronounce forewarning (audio)
1
: a warning given in advance
2
: the state of being warned in advance

Examples of forewarning in a Sentence

heeded the forewarning to stay off the ice until the town had checked to see if it was thick enough
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.
Nevertheless, some Iranian missiles did impact, especially during the latter attack, which was more ferocious and came with less forewarning. Paul Iddon, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 From Grover’s geographical layout to the forewarnings of what’s to come, viewers are compelled to take an interest in this place because of him. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 11 Oct. 2024 Washington, with no diplomatic presence on the ground, had no forewarning of the switch, much less any hope of convincing the Nauru government to change its mind. Charles Edel, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024 Nevertheless, as with the Israeli troops in the Golan on Thursday, those American personnel had no forewarning or any chance to take cover. Paul Iddon, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for forewarning 

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forewarning was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near forewarning

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on forewarning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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