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forego

1 of 2

verb (1)

fore·​go fȯr-ˈgō How to pronounce forego (audio)
forewent fȯr-ˈwent How to pronounce forego (audio) ; foregone fȯr-ˈgȯn How to pronounce forego (audio)
also -ˈgän
; foregoing fȯr-ˈgō-iŋ How to pronounce forego (audio)
-ˈgȯ(-)iŋ
; foregoes
fȯr-ˈgōz
Synonyms of foregonext

transitive verb

: to go before : precede
The story of his mishap forewent him.
foregoer noun

forego

2 of 2

verb (2)

fore·​go

less common spelling of forgo

transitive verb

1
: to give up the enjoyment or advantage of : do without
… never forwent an opportunity of honest profit …Robert Louis Stevenson
decided to forgo dessert for a few days …
2
archaic : forsake

Synonyms of forego

Examples of forego in a Sentence

Verb (1) if the sparse crowds are any indication of the public's interest in the presidential candidate, then his reputation obviously foregoes him
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
The Gulf States in particular are lobbying intensely for the United States to forego any future military action against the Islamic regime, a diplomat with knowledge of the situation confirmed to the Washington Examiner. Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Jan. 2026 But Rose is foregoing the sport this winter to concentrate on her track career. Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 The new test foregoes geographical questions and test-takers will be required to name all three branches of government instead of just one. Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 1 Jan. 2026 For an entirely different trip that foregoes the sea, spend a few days wine tasting in Anderson Valley. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forego

Word History

First Known Use

Verb (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forego was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forego.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forego. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

forego

1 of 2 verb
fore·​go fōr-ˈgō How to pronounce forego (audio)
fȯr-
forewent
-ˈwent
; foregone -ˈgȯn How to pronounce forego (audio)
also -ˈgän
; foregoing -ˈgō-iŋ How to pronounce forego (audio)
: to go before : precede
foregoer noun

forego

2 of 2

variant of forgo

More from Merriam-Webster on forego

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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