1
as in precursors
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 ancestors
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forerunners
Noun
-
Now this may be simply because a few uniquely talented craftsman build each Torpedo by hand on a small Swedish island where their ancestors have literally been building boats for more than 1000 years.—
Bill Springer,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025 -
Their ancestors evolved in dry areas, so this element can feel unfamiliar to them.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Yet Kennedy’s very eccentricity may prove to be a great asset given the failure of his sensible predecessors.—
Adrian Wooldridge,
Twin Cities,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Can America’s eccentric new health and human services secretary succeed where so many of his sensible predecessors have failed?—
Adrian Wooldridge,
Twin Cities,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
As the rest of the girls hang out obliviously by the hot tub, randomly dressed up as angels, Lara and Tzarina rally around Harry in a ridiculous way.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2025
-
Drawing inspiration from Hebrew texts and whatever shrooms grew on the island, John ramped up Daniel’s visions to include angels with feet of fire, the Whore of Babylon, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and a hundred and forty-four thousand virgins (or parthenoi), most likely male.—
Arthur Krystal,
The New Yorker,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Known for showcasing working prototypes and cutting-edge technology, CES is also a place for critical announcements from leading brands.—
Prakhar Khanna,
Forbes,
3 Jan. 2025
-
The brand is already working through new prototypes of a third line, one that could fall between the two existing models.—
Tim Newcomb,
Forbes,
1 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Pep Guardiola’s list of symptoms is long and unsettling.—
Rory Smith,
The Athletic,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Your provider will start with a physical exam to inspect your nails and look for any other signs or symptoms of disease.—
Carrie Madormo, RN,
Health,
24 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Forerunners.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forerunners. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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