as in to foreshadow
to give a slight indication of beforehand
the first crocus traditionally prefigures the arrival of spring
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prefigure
This early embrace of mechanical rhythm prefigured what would later become a foundation of hip-hop and electronic music.
—
Jose Valentino Ruiz, The Conversation, 13 June 2025
Its extreme hostility to the very idea of liberal governance, its skepticism of democracy, and its faith in the primacy of the wealthy over the law all prefigured the way that Trump and Elon Musk would assail key functions of government in 2025.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
The widescreen, 35mm format prefigured IMAX and other high-density imagery in a way that still stuns on screen.
—John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2025
It is also prefigured (another Biblical device) by Pharaoh’s order, in Exodus, to kill all male babies born to Hebrew mothers.
—Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefigure
Jose Valentino Ruiz, The Conversation, 13 June 2025
Its extreme hostility to the very idea of liberal governance, its skepticism of democracy, and its faith in the primacy of the wealthy over the law all prefigured the way that Trump and Elon Musk would assail key functions of government in 2025.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
The widescreen, 35mm format prefigured IMAX and other high-density imagery in a way that still stuns on screen.
—John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2025
It is also prefigured (another Biblical device) by Pharaoh’s order, in Exodus, to kill all male babies born to Hebrew mothers.
—Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefigure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefigure
Verb
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The film was divisive from the jump, with some critics saying Aster’s film is incendiary on purpose – meant to rile conspiracy theorists, incite liberal outrage and foreshadow the inevitability of a second Trump term.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
22 July 2025
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The eagle’s intent watching of the tourists might have foreshadowed the aggression, Miranda says.—
Joshua Rapp Learn,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Markets and many Fed officials are predicting two rate cuts this year, lots of uncertainty for investors and financial firms, construction firms, and consumers who would like to see lower borrowing rates.—
William Dunkelberg,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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People have been predicting the death of cinema since not too long after the birth of cinema.—
Michael Phillips,
Chicago Tribune,
31 July 2025
Verb
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Shares have surged 29% this year, but the investment bank’s target price implies the stock could rally another 11% from current levels.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
1 Aug. 2025
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Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images What To Know In an interview with Taste of Country, which was published on Wednesday, Bryan implied his seat at the judge's table isn't confirmed yet for Season 24.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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After the Silver Surfer (Julia Garner) heralds the arrival of Galactus (Ralph Ineson), announcing that Earth is next on the menu, the Fantastic Four head into space to negotiate with the big, hungry giant, and quickly learn that giving up baby Franklin is the only way to save their planet.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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In the museum description, Williams is specifically heralded for inspiring future generations of bold musicians like Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo.—
Maya Georgi,
Rolling Stone,
26 July 2025
Verb
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Although some categories of goods and services may be exempt or subject to a lower rate, the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industry anticipates its costs to rise by over $19 billion.—
Priya Prakash Royal Esq. LL.M. MBA AEP TEP,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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Residents can anticipate wind gusts of up to 40 mph.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prefigure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefigure. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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