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Definition of foreshadow

foreshadow

/fɔːrˈʃæd.oʊ/
fore · shad · ow
Plural:foreshadows
•
Past Simple:foreshadowed
•
Past Participle:foreshadowed
•
Present Participle:foreshadowing
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foreshadow Lexical Profile

foreshadow Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To act as a warning, sign, or subtle indication of a future event (especially in a literary narrative or historical development).

Example

"The dark storm clouds gathering in the opening chapter foreshadow the tragic conflict that unfolds later in the novel."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for foreshadow

• noun

1

An advance sign, warning, or faint indication of a future event.

Example

"The sudden drop in market confidence served as an early foreshadow of the economic recession that followed."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for foreshadow

• Rhymes for foreshadow

• Nearby Words

foreseeable
foreseeably
foreseer
foreshadow
foreshadowing
foreshock
foreshorten

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 16th century from the English prefix 'fore-' (before) and the verb 'shadow' (to represent faintly or symbolically), originally in theological contexts referring to how Old Testament events prefigured those of the New Testament.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Foreshadow. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/foreshadow
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