1
as in precursor
one that announces or indicates the later arrival of another
the return of the swallows is traditionally regarded as a forerunner of spring
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in ancestor
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed
enjoyed the demonstration of the simple hand loom that was the forerunner of today's computer-controlled looms
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of forerunner
While his Late Night forerunner Letterman was probably the comedic polestar of Generation X—gruff, cynical, and biting the hand that fed—O’Brien became a bedrock influence for the next generation of Millennial comics.
—
David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
The New York Dolls were forerunners of punk, and the band's style -- teased hair, women's clothes and lots of makeup -- inspired the glam movement that took up residence in heavy metal a decade later in bands like Faster Pussycat and Mötley Crüe.
—Mark Kennedy The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 2 Mar. 2025
The case was the forerunner to U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno’s decision to snatch Elián from his cousin’s Little Havana home and reunite him with his dad in Cuba.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Most of the forerunners of modern Zionism saw themselves as secular.
—Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forerunner
David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
The New York Dolls were forerunners of punk, and the band's style -- teased hair, women's clothes and lots of makeup -- inspired the glam movement that took up residence in heavy metal a decade later in bands like Faster Pussycat and Mötley Crüe.
—Mark Kennedy The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 2 Mar. 2025
The case was the forerunner to U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno’s decision to snatch Elián from his cousin’s Little Havana home and reunite him with his dad in Cuba.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Most of the forerunners of modern Zionism saw themselves as secular.
—Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forerunner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forerunner
Noun
-
By World Health Organization (WHO) standards established in 1994, this designates a person as having osteopenia — often a precursor to osteoporosis.—
Jia H. Jung,
Mercury News,
4 June 2025
-
Leverton said trends like western, cottagecore, Americana and conservative styles of dress, in general, were precursors to where things were the U.S. presidential election was heading last year.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
Now is the time to stand up for every American’s First Amendment right to tell their story, to dissent from the government’s world view, to celebrate the resilience and fortitude of ancestors who fought for their rights and their culture in this country.—
John Leguizamo,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2025
-
Names carry the legacy of our ancestors, the history of our culture, and the desires of our parents.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
Right now, the menu is filled with traditional American classics, but the breakfast and lunch croissant sandwiches are a harbinger of things to come when 88 Donuts gets up and rolling.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 June 2025
-
Paul then recalled an instance where The Studio actor came out of the production office and solemnly beckoned him to come over, a seeming harbinger of bad news.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
1 June 2025
Noun
-
Kipyegon first tested concepts at the Nike research lab in Oregon and the team then sent her home with prototypes.—
Tim Newcomb,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
-
In 1994, Birkin sold the prototype at an auction for Association Solidarité Sida, a French AIDS charity.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
11 June 2025
Noun
-
Like the Marvel comics, Shalla-Bal is the herald of Galactus, a planet-devouring behemoth who is voiced by Ralph Ineson in the movie.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2025
-
In the original comics, the Silver Surfer was Norrin Radd, a male astronomer from the planet Zenn-La who became the herald of Galactus.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Fans lined up early and made signs to catch a glimpse of the future star.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2025
-
To some, the shift may vindicate Trump's America First strategy — a sign that pressuring allies to increase defense spending is working.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
Signature brand pieces include amulets, angels, royal blue moonstones and more.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
6 June 2025
-
Muslims believe that as Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, an angel of God stopped him and gave him a ram to sacrifice in place of his son.—
Monica Haider,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forerunner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forerunner. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share