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Synonyms

foregone conclusion

American  

noun

  1. an inevitable conclusion or result.

  2. a conclusion, opinion, or decision formed in advance of proper consideration of evidence, arguments, etc.


foregone conclusion British  

noun

  1. an inevitable result or conclusion

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of foregone conclusion

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

If that makes the outcome seem like a foregone conclusion, it ain’t necessarily so, thanks to Labour’s laborious internal democratic process.

From Salon May 12, 2026

Passage has gone from a foregone conclusion early in the year to a long shot, even though lawmakers hope to hold a committee vote in the next month.

From Barron's Apr. 17, 2026

California currently has the highest average gasoline price at $5.14, but the $6 price level as an average for the state is not a foregone conclusion just yet, De Haan said.

From MarketWatch Mar. 9, 2026

That wait goes on, but a defeat should not exactly have been a foregone conclusion - even if Aston Villa are flying in third place.

From BBC Jan. 25, 2026

The way he talked, like everything he wanted was a foregone conclusion.

From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon

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