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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But that play, in the seventh, merely foreshadowed an even better one in the eighth, when Parker unleashed a rocket, on the fly, to cut down the go-ahead run.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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Clifton’s recent disaster was foreshadowed by past violations and another deadly explosion at the same facility in 2003.—
Connor Giffin,
The Courier-Journal,
2 July 2025
Verb
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The Global Wellness Institute predicts a related category, wellness tourism, will average annual expenditure growth of 16.6% to 2027, noting travel trends that include travel for mental health, sleep and recovery.—
Rafi Golberstein,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
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Other state public health laws, regulations, and services protect people who are suicidal from caregivers, medical professionals, and family members who might encourage self-harm, but suspends these protections if a doctor predicts the person has less than six months to live.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
7 July 2025
Verb
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The latest hike implies that 1.92 million bpd (or over 87%) of those cuts have now been unwound.—
Gaurav Sharma,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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Later, it’s implied that the actual kidnapper was Manon, who has the same tattoo.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
9 July 2025
Verb
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The visual is heralded for its vibrant celebration of Benin culture featuring showcases of Fá deities, costumes adorned with ileke beads, Yoruba-style gele headwraps, and mesmerizing dance routines inspired by the Fon cultural dance, Zinli.—
Ime Ekpo,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
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And how about the city’s single Portland Loo, a stand-alone portable potty, heralded as easier to maintain, more durable and less prone to vandalism?—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
The Enquirer,
4 July 2025
Verb
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The company anticipates cleanup efforts to wrap up at the end of August, but the target may be adjusted as needed to ensure safety.—
Rob Nikolewski,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 July 2025
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Rehearse your key points out loud, anticipate curveball questions, and get comfortable in the pressure zone.—
Rolling Stone Culture Council,
Rolling Stone,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prefigure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefigure. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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