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Synonyms

foreshadowing

American  
[fawr-shad-oh-ing] / ˌfɔrˈʃæd oʊ ɪŋ /

noun

  1. an indication of something that will happen in the future, often used as a literary device to hint at or allude to future plot developments.

    The gothic novel uses foreshadowing to build suspense.

Etymology

Origin of foreshadowing

First recorded in 1845–50; foreshadow ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. )

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.

So far, neither side is showing signs of backing down, foreshadowing a fight that could take years.

From Salon

Norman, who spent 331 weeks as world No. 1, previously attempted to start a rival golf series in 1994, foreshadowing LIV’s challenge to the golf establishment.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is ironic that Harrison’s protest against taxation ended up foreshadowing private markets’ capture of artistic value.

From The Wall Street Journal

I wish I’d noted that line as foreshadowing, but just like any good mystery, the clues are only evident in hindsight.

From Los Angeles Times

Immediately after Goldman and Apple launched the card, rival issuers looked with raised eyebrows at some of the terms, foreshadowing issues that would come up in the deal talks in recent years.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.