Definition of preamblenext
1
as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event the round of hors d'oeuvres was merely the preamble to an evening of lavish feasting

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2
as in introduction
a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part an insightful analysis of the preamble to the Constitution of the United States

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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 preamble Touches five and six are merely the cajoling preamble to the pièce de résistance, aka touch seven, a piercing through ball which splits defender Goncalo Inacio and backtracking forward Geny Catamo like a warm bread knife through a ciabatta roll straight out of Mama’s oven. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 His victory in November was widely seen as a preamble to deregulation, with broadcasters set to benefit. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025 If this preamble put the audience in a headspace to reflect on the mortality of this legendary performer, The Christophers kept them there. Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025 Unless needed for clarity, avoid long preambles. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preamble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preamble
Noun
  • When Alvarado asked if the singles are the prelude to the first full album from GNR to feature him and fellow OG member bassist Duff McKagan since the Illusion LPs, Slash dropped a double-dose of good news.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2026
  • For instance, with Saturn and Neptune entering your seventh house of partnerships for the first time in decades (after a brief prelude in 2025), you're presented with an opportunity to level up in both your personal and professional life.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His introduction, usually bestowed by an actor or musician, was this year delivered on video by President Barack Obama.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Five minutes can be an eternity in montage time, but the movie’s lengthy introduction is a daring announcement of historical scope.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Lower‑demand preliminaries will likely be the most affordable, while high‑profile events—gymnastics finals, swimming finals, track and field, and the opening ceremony—will sit at the top end of the pricing spectrum.
    Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026
  • Is it reduced to yet another fill-in-the-blank preliminary to a national title game in some super-duper-they-look-alike stadium?
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Colbert opened his Monday night broadcast with a preface in light of Reiner’s death, as well as the shootings at Bondi Beach and Brown University.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 16 Dec. 2025
  • This excerpt includes the book’s preface and the lyrics and commentaries for six songs.
    John Darnielle, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Rhythm & Fire also features a foreword by Roots member Questlove, along with 30 exclusive color photographs.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
  • With a new foreword from Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza, Chang’s exposé historicizes the plight of today’s immigrant working women.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preamble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preamble. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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