preface

Definition of prefacenext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 preface International execs participating on a Red Sea Souk panel on ‘Futureproofing our Industry’, steered by Library Pictures International CEO David Taghioff, shared their thoughts on the deal as a preface to the main topic of the discussion. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2025 And to preface, these are optional. Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025 Prud’homme has ordered an archival binder and plans to create a preface that contextualizes Derome’s life alongside the artwork. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025 However, for co-founder Michiel Beers, who started the festival with his brother, Manu, in 2005, creating one of the largest music festivals was just the preface to his Tomorrowland story. Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preface
Noun
  • The introductions of Ruben Dias and Rayan Cherki bolstered City, whereas Slot was slow to take off the ineffective Cody Gakpo, with Jones still waiting to be introduced when the visitors equalised.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • But doubts surrounding Dana, Tod, Lynn, and Naveen aren’t serious (even Lynn’s ignominious introduction gets swept under the rug), and what little there is to find out is held back at the expense of the ensemble.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • John Akomfrah’s foreword is wonderful.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Rhythm & Fire also features a foreword by Roots member Questlove, along with 30 exclusive color photographs.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Both men served as a prologue of sorts.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Advertisement The show also falls prey to a few unfortunate streaming-era trends, from a penultimate flashback episode that delays the payoff of a cliffhanger by filling in backstory of questionable utility, to a scantness of plot that makes the whole short season feel like an overgrown prologue.
    Judy Berman, Time, 13 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preface. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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