Synonyms of harbinger

harbinger 1 of 2

noun

ˈhär-bən-jər 

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

• herald
• forerunner
• precursor
• sign
• symptom
• angel
• outrider
• foretaste
• portent
• omen
• forewarning
• presage
• foregoer
• foreshadowing
• messenger
• proclaimer
• announcer
• bellwether
• runner
• advertiser
• crier
• foreboding
• augury
• courier
• foreboder
• foreshadower
• boding
• prefiguring
• auspice
• blazoner
• mark

harbinger

2 of 2

verb

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

• herald
• foreshadow
• predict
• imply
• prefigure
• anticipate
• foresee
• forerun
• adumbrate
• foretell
• presage
• portend
• forecast
• suggest
• prophesy
• prognosticate
• bode
• forewarn
• hint
• promise
• augur
• forebode
• allude
• foreknow
• connote
• intimate
• insinuate

Synonym Chooser

How is the word harbinger distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of harbinger are forerunner, herald, 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

When would forerunner be a good substitute for harbinger?

While the synonyms forerunner and harbinger are close in meaning, forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage.

the blockade was the forerunner of war

When could precursor be used to replace harbinger?

The meanings of precursor and harbinger largely overlap; however, 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

How is the word harbinger distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of harbinger are forerunner, herald, 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

When would forerunner be a good substitute for harbinger?

While the synonyms forerunner and harbinger are close in meaning, forerunner is applicable to anything that serves as a sign or presage.

the blockade was the forerunner of war

When could precursor be used to replace harbinger?

The meanings of precursor and harbinger largely overlap; however, 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

Recent Examples of harbinger

Noun

If nothing else, Kidman should rally the rest of her Big Little Lies castmates as a roving band of blonde soothsayers and harbingers of eternal sleep. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 14 Apr. 2026

Along with asparagus, hearty leafy greens, peas, and ramps, garlic scapes are among the first harbingers of an entire season of garden fun ahead. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2026

None of this should be interpreted as a harbinger of doom and/or looming disenfranchisement for CBS, which is set to embark on its 71st consecutive year of broadcasting the Masters into our living rooms. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2026

But in a harbinger of a far more serious threat — consolidation — then-20th Century Fox movie head Stacey Snider brought many to tears when addressing the looming sale of a large swath of Rupert Murdoch’s media and entertainment empire, including the film studio, to Disney. —Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026

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