as in herald
one that announces or indicates the later arrival of another
her father's successful job interview was seen as a harbinger of better times to come
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to herald
to give a slight indication of beforehand
the hope that the housing slump does not harbinger a general economic recession
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of harbinger
Aarushi Bhandari, The Conversation, 14 July 2025
Is its launch a harbinger of China’s technological dominance in the 21st Century?
—Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
The result served as a harbinger to motion picture studios to avoid anime big screen adaptation.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 June 2025
But some of the museum’s fans saw their sudden disappearance as a harbinger of worse things to come.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harbinger
Noun
Is the internet’s place in human history cemented as a harbinger of despair?
—Aarushi Bhandari, The Conversation, 14 July 2025
Is its launch a harbinger of China’s technological dominance in the 21st Century?
—Drew Bernstein, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
The result served as a harbinger to motion picture studios to avoid anime big screen adaptation.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 27 June 2025
But some of the museum’s fans saw their sudden disappearance as a harbinger of worse things to come.
—Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for harbinger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harbinger
Noun
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Julia Garner portrays the villainous herald the Silver Surfer, and Ralph Ineson is the world-eating giant Galactus.—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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In an alternate universe, Shalla-Bal becomes the Silver Surfer herald for Galactus instead.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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The film was divisive from the jump, with some critics saying Aster’s film is incendiary on purpose – meant to rile conspiracy theorists, incite liberal outrage and foreshadow the inevitability of a second Trump term.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
22 July 2025
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The eagle’s intent watching of the tourists might have foreshadowed the aggression, Miranda says.—
Joshua Rapp Learn,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Jarry is often cited as a forerunner to the Dada, surrealist and futurist movements in the early 20th century and later, the theater of the absurd.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 July 2025
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Gilligan, who also created Saul’s forerunner Breaking Bad, will serve as writer and showrunner.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
25 July 2025
Verb
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Markets and many Fed officials are predicting two rate cuts this year, lots of uncertainty for investors and financial firms, construction firms, and consumers who would like to see lower borrowing rates.—
William Dunkelberg,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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What does the Old Farmer's Almanac predict for fall in Michigan?—
Sarah Moore,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
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Chinese authorities have since controlled a number of these precursor chemicals.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
12 July 2025
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As a precursor of sorts for CBS stalwart Survivor (which returns for its 49th edition on September 24), Big Brother is the perfect reality appetizer before the ultimate main course.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Shares have surged 29% this year, but the investment bank’s target price implies the stock could rally another 11% from current levels.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
1 Aug. 2025
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Some reported activities of these Chinese vessels, including those around oil and gas exploration areas, imply a commercial purposes that would require coastal states to grant research permissions.—
Jill Goldenziel,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Although tests show swimming is sometimes safe in Wethersfield Cove, a sign warns about it in English and Spanish.—
Elijah Polance,
Hartford Courant,
3 Aug. 2025
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Now, read on for what this week has in store for your zodiac sign, per astrologer Kyle Thomas' PEOPLE exclusive readings!—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This early embrace of mechanical rhythm prefigured what would later become a foundation of hip-hop and electronic music.—
Jose Valentino Ruiz,
The Conversation,
13 June 2025
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Its extreme hostility to the very idea of liberal governance, its skepticism of democracy, and its faith in the primacy of the wealthy over the law all prefigured the way that Trump and Elon Musk would assail key functions of government in 2025.—
Zack Beauchamp,
Vox,
7 Dec. 2018
Cite this Entry
“Harbinger.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harbinger. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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