herald 1 of 2

herald

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word herald distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of herald are forerunner, harbinger, and precursor. While all these words mean "one that goes before or announces the coming of another," harbinger and herald both apply, chiefly figuratively, to one that proclaims or announces the coming or arrival of a notable event.

their early victory was the harbinger of a winning season
the herald of a new age in medicine

In what contexts can forerunner take the place of herald?

Although the words forerunner and herald have much in common, forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage.

the blockade was the forerunner of war

When is it sensible to use precursor instead of herald?

While in some cases nearly identical to herald, precursor applies to a person or thing paving the way for the success or accomplishment of another.

18th century poets like Burns were precursors of the Romantics

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of herald
Noun
Like the Marvel comics, Shalla-Bal is the herald of Galactus, a planet-devouring behemoth who is voiced by Ralph Ineson in the movie. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025 In the original comics, the Silver Surfer was Norrin Radd, a male astronomer from the planet Zenn-La who became the herald of Galactus. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
Once the legislation passed, Stephen Miran, the chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, heralded it as a boon for economic growth. Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025 In the last month, many involved with the production have appeared at 30th anniversary events, heralding the indelible mark left by the high school classic on pop culture. Rance Collins, IndieWire, 5 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for herald
Recent Examples of Synonyms for herald
Noun
  • Last month state immigration advocates warned that arrests of undocumented immigrants were ramping up in the state, creating anxiety and fear in communities with people taken every day.
    Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
  • Biking advocates worry about inconsistent rules across the suburban landscape.
    Paulina Czupryna, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
Verb
  • 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
  • The eagle’s intent watching of the tourists might have foreshadowed the aggression, Miranda says.
    Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Chris Bailey announced an effort to create his department's new strategic plan in April.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • General Motors announced on Tuesday that while the company beat earnings, second-quarter profits dropped, including a $1.1 billion hit from import taxes.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Volz has been a major proponent of continuing to rely mainly on NOAA operated satellites, while entering into data purchase agreements with private companies as well.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 July 2025
  • But those caps haven’t been updated in more than two decades, and proponents of the policy argue the exemptions haven’t kept up with rising costs.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Western Tech doesn’t train truck drivers, but the college predicts a handful of its programs will be eligible for the new grants.
    Natalie Yahr, jsonline.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • Indeed the film has become a cultural touchstone over the years, with many of the leading lights in the world of women’s soccer proclaiming Bend It Like Beckham as their main source of inspiration back in the day when the amateur antics of women playing soccer were laughed at.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 26 July 2025
  • Those who would argue that this abuse of power constitutes a crime should remember that Trump and his team have avidly proclaimed that presidents must have immunity from criminal prosecution for acts within the broad ambit of executive power.
    The Editors, National Review, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Herald.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/herald. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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