as in anticipated
to realize or know about beforehand
a freak accident that no one could possibly have foreseen
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Recent Examples of foresaw
In 2016, Henry foresaw Alan Thicke having health issues months before Thicke died.
—
Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
In 1685, Giovanni Borelli, the Italian physicist, foresaw a world where machines driven by pulleys could ape the actions of animals.
—Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Both generally have a good feel for that, though Kiper and Jeremiah and everyone else never foresaw Shadeur Sanders slipping to the fifth round in last year’s draft.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
This can lead to surprise winners — nobody foresaw Uno-X’s Søren Wærenskjold taking victory last season.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
The important thing is that the ancient Circassians and Turks clearly foresaw Trump!
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026
Giorgini, who owned a buying office in Florence, foresaw the future of Italian fashion in the aftermath of World War II, at the same time the couture business in Paris was regaining its splendor.
—Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
Those with clout in various spheres coalesced into one clubby circle, and fell prey to a groupthink that foresaw riches for everyone, without consequences.
—Evan Hughes, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2025
As for the rest of our readers’ predictions, 20% foresaw the grand prize going to freestyler Chris Turner, while 14% threw their support behind Jourdan Blue‘s velvety voice and even velvetier hair.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 24 Sep. 2025
Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
In 1685, Giovanni Borelli, the Italian physicist, foresaw a world where machines driven by pulleys could ape the actions of animals.
—Kamal Ahmed, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Both generally have a good feel for that, though Kiper and Jeremiah and everyone else never foresaw Shadeur Sanders slipping to the fifth round in last year’s draft.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
This can lead to surprise winners — nobody foresaw Uno-X’s Søren Wærenskjold taking victory last season.
—Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
The important thing is that the ancient Circassians and Turks clearly foresaw Trump!
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026
Giorgini, who owned a buying office in Florence, foresaw the future of Italian fashion in the aftermath of World War II, at the same time the couture business in Paris was regaining its splendor.
—Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
Those with clout in various spheres coalesced into one clubby circle, and fell prey to a groupthink that foresaw riches for everyone, without consequences.
—Evan Hughes, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2025
As for the rest of our readers’ predictions, 20% foresaw the grand prize going to freestyler Chris Turner, while 14% threw their support behind Jourdan Blue‘s velvety voice and even velvetier hair.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foresaw
Verb
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As a result, roles that require more specialized skills, niche certifications, technical expertise or substantial experience can remain open for much longer than anticipated, putting extra pressure on existing staff and slowing growth plans.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
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Looking at the data of El Niños, strong ones, like the one anticipated to form, come with more high tide flooding.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
19 May 2026
Verb
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Across a wide range of populations — including Ivy League undergraduates, West Point Military Academy cadets and participants in the National Spelling Bee — grit consistently predicted achievement above and beyond IQ and talent.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2026
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Bidding was more cautious than some specialists had predicted, with only two bidders competing.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
20 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Foresaw.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foresaw. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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