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
Katherine Lagrave, AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
Thus, the early activity in the Pacific isn't likely a harbinger of storms to come in the Atlantic.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 22 June 2025
The attacks could be a harbinger of what may follow.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for harbinger
Noun
In 2012, the Wythe was a harbinger of things to come in Williamsburg.
—Katherine Lagrave, AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
Thus, the early activity in the Pacific isn't likely a harbinger of storms to come in the Atlantic.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 22 June 2025
The attacks could be a harbinger of what may follow.
—Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for harbinger
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harbinger
Noun
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Together, the quartet battled Julian McMahon Doctor Victor von Doom before reuniting for the sequel, 2007's Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, which introduced Doug Jones as the Silver Surfer, the cosmic herald of the world-devouring space god Galactus.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
3 July 2025
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Once again the plot bent toward total transformations of the Republic, accompanied by the thrilling heralds of Trump’s imminent downfall.—
Matthew Karp,
Harper's Magazine,
28 Feb. 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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Last week the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case Little vs. Hecox, which began in 2020 when Idaho became a forerunner for states with laws that ban trans athletes in women's and girls' sports.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 July 2025
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For some years, the Octagon was home to Ohio’s militia, a forerunner to today’s National Guard; during the summer, soldiers would erect tents and practice training exercises.—
Kevin Williams,
Smithsonian Magazine,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Rain showers and periodic storms are possible every day through Tuesday before humidity and heat were expected to build again in the Chicago area, the weather service predicted.—
William Tong,
Chicago Tribune,
19 July 2025
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The National Weather Service in Indianapolis predicted strong and potentially severe thunderstorms Saturday afternoon into the evening, and the rain has just arrived.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
19 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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What distinguishes them from other kinds of higher-ed institutions is their first priority, which is, as their name implies, research.—
Tyler Austin Harper,
The Atlantic,
21 July 2025
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At the first Coldplay concert since the apparent infidelity incident, Martin gently reminded the audience that their attendance implies an understanding that they may be filmed.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
21 July 2025
Noun
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Yellow leaves are a sign of several issues that can occur when growing cucumbers, from watering issues to too much sun.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
22 July 2025
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If the description feels vague, overly broad, or reads like a copy-paste from a generic template, that could be a sign the posting isn’t tied to a real opening.—
Kara Dennison,
Forbes.com,
22 July 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 30 Jul. 2025.
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