HERALD Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

herald 1 of 2

noun

ˈher-əld

Definition of herald next

as in advocate

a person who actively supports or favors a cause an outspoken herald of prison reform

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in harbinger

one that announces or indicates the later arrival of another the American robin—the herald of spring in the North

Synonyms & Similar Words

herald

2 of 2

verb

as in to foreshadow

to give a slight indication of beforehand the reshuffle of the company's management heralded the sweeping changes to come

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to announce

to make known openly or publicly herald the great tidings to all the world

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples of herald in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Although some herald green hydrogen as lower cost than hydrogen made from natural gas (blue or gray), such predictions assume a physical scaling up of production that has not yet occurred. —

S. Julio Friedmann, Foreign Affairs, 15 Sep. 2022 Their black uniform loses the ethos of an ugly death and transforms instead into a herald of pure justice. —

Guilherme Jacobs, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2024

Verb

From hundreds to thousands of miles in length, these seasonal journeys keep the beat of the natural world–heralding annual cycles and transporting nutrients and biodiversity far and wide. —

Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 26 Sep. 2024 The British singer changed the sound of pop music with her breakout album, which was heralded at the time as both a blockbuster and an artistic triumph. —

Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for herald

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'herald.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.