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
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Recent Examples of forerunner
Equally, it was never considered by bid organizers to be a forerunner in bids to host the 2022 and 2026 men’s World Cup, the latter of which was successful and will be shared next year with Canada and Mexico.
—
Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
While Cal State Fullerton isn’t the first campus to launch a Project Rebound program, the university has been among the forerunners in its expansion, becoming a model for Project Rebound programs at the other universities in the CSU system.
—Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 28 Jan. 2025
Each night, Americans were reminded of the crisis on TV, as ABC created nightly reports called America Held Hostage with Ted Koppel, the forerunner to Nightline.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2024
Three years before the convention, the Nixon administration had presented a draft treaty that proposed a forerunner to the International Seabed Authority: an agency established by the Law of the Sea that would collect royalties from underwater resources and distribute them to the developing world.
—Jack Truesdale, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forerunner
Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
While Cal State Fullerton isn’t the first campus to launch a Project Rebound program, the university has been among the forerunners in its expansion, becoming a model for Project Rebound programs at the other universities in the CSU system.
—Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 28 Jan. 2025
Each night, Americans were reminded of the crisis on TV, as ABC created nightly reports called America Held Hostage with Ted Koppel, the forerunner to Nightline.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 Dec. 2024
Three years before the convention, the Nixon administration had presented a draft treaty that proposed a forerunner to the International Seabed Authority: an agency established by the Law of the Sea that would collect royalties from underwater resources and distribute them to the developing world.
—Jack Truesdale, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for forerunner
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forerunner
Noun
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Planned a year in advance, essentially right after the previous Oscars ceremony has wrapped, the glamorous precursor to Hollywood’s biggest night comes together thanks to a production team filled with hard-working, movie-loving craftspeople.—
Sharareh Drury,
People.com,
1 Mar. 2025
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The polyp stage is a precursor to the medusa stage, Folino-Rorem said, when jellyfish are more visible.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The Cajuns of south Louisiana trace their ancestors to the French Acadians exiled from Nova Scotia around 1755.—
Kristy Christiansen,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2025
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An advanced comprehension of toolmaking and the ability to apply it to different materials suggests that ancient human ancestors had greater cognitive abilities than previously believed, the researchers said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The dinner was a harbinger of an announcement that led many to self-identify as a military wife: BTS is now on a three-year hiatus to complete mandatory service.—
Zoe Guy,
Vulture,
1 Mar. 2025
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Especially after a long, cold winter, these fruits and vegetables are a refreshing sight—and are harbingers of the bounty to come for the next several months.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Telo Trucks View 7 Images Californian EV startup Telo just revealed a functional prototype of its MT1 mini-truck at an in-person event in Los Angeles.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Mar. 2025
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Agencies including the Treasury Department, the Department of Commerce and even HUD have been involved in a study, a prototype and a working group in recent years.—
Jesse Coburn,
ProPublica,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach star as the titular quartet, heroes who must defend the Earth against Galactus (Ralph Ineson), a ravenous space god who's hungry to devour the entire planet with the help of his herald, the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
18 Feb. 2025
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In Turkey and the Middle East, the birds crop up in folklore as heralds of spring, guides for pilgrims, and the first creatures, along with two doves, to disembark from Noah’s ark.—
Nick Paumgarten,
The New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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That includes preliminary trade data showing a record surge of goods imported into the U.S. — a sign of businesses bringing things in early to get ahead of the administration's tariff threats.—
Axios,
Axios,
28 Feb. 2025
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Retinol is touted as one of the best skin care ingredients for tackling dullness, acne, fine lines, dark spots, and signs of aging.—
Jessica Kasparian,
SELF,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Only Hackman could shift like that, from raconteur to angel of death.—
Mary McNamara,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Mar. 2025
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The weirdest stuff in the movie belongs to Queen Latifah and Terrence Howard’s roles as Christmas angels who narrate the story and get into some hi-jinks on the side.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
28 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Forerunner.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forerunner. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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