as in introduction
a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part
a noted critic has written a short preface to her story to explain some of the historical background
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Recent Examples of preface
As a preface, the conclusion here, deciphered from the scene by this author, was a plea for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
—
Marcus Thompson Ii,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Trump’s preface opens by celebrating counterterrorism achievements that analysts describe as inflated or lacking in nuance.
—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
14 May 2026
Bagdikian, who wrote the preface to Armstrong’s book, raised doubts about the putative impartiality of the mainstream press in his 1983 book The Media Monopoly.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
21 Apr. 2026
And that long preface to editing isn’t helping, Bill Pullman notwithstanding.
—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preface
Marcus Thompson Ii,
New York Times,
16 May 2026
Trump’s preface opens by celebrating counterterrorism achievements that analysts describe as inflated or lacking in nuance.
—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
14 May 2026
Bagdikian, who wrote the preface to Armstrong’s book, raised doubts about the putative impartiality of the mainstream press in his 1983 book The Media Monopoly.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
21 Apr. 2026
And that long preface to editing isn’t helping, Bill Pullman notwithstanding.
—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preface
Noun
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Following an introduction by rap icon Ice Cube and a video contextualizing Hill’s nomination for the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award (as if anyone in the audience doubted her influence), a knockout lineup took the stage.
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Since its 2022 introduction, Ryder's Law has received a swell of support from local and national animal welfare groups; NYC legislators, including former mayor Eric Adams; and a slew of celebrities such as Billie Eilish, Ricky Gervais, Marisa Tomei and Christopher Walken.
Noun
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As Dubner himself acknowledged in the anniversary foreword, the original book was written without a central thesis tying everything together.
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The book, co-authored by Darren Grubb and Johnny Russo, featured a foreword by Letterman.
Noun
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But the extent to which the past is prologue is uncertain.
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But the recent past need not be prologue.
Cite this Entry
“Preface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preface. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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