foreshadowing — English Dictionary

Noun

1. Synonym of foreshadow (“a suggestion of something in advance”); specifically (usually uncountable, literature, narratology), a literary device whereby an author drops hints or symbolic representations of plot developments to come later in the story.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

   Examples

   The roses blooming before Rose herself bloomed was excellent foreshadowing.

   As an experienced editor I disapprove of backflashes, foreshadowings and tricksy devices […]

Adjective

1. indistinctly prophetic

   Synonyms

   adumbrativeprefigurative

Noun

1. the act of providing vague advance indications; representing beforehand

   Synonyms

   prefigurationadumbration

   Broader terms

   predictionanticipationprevision