as in to foreshadow
to give a slight indication of beforehand
the first crocus traditionally prefigures the arrival of spring
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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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Knowing And Just Like That, the show may be foreshadowing a grand gesture from Aidan that arrives just as Carrie is beginning to have feelings for Duncan.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
27 June 2025
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In March, the the Monitor’s View foreshadowed the impact of the foreign aid cuts: These cuts by wealthier countries, predict many aid experts, are having dramatic consequences for the world’s most vulnerable people.—
Evelyne Musambi,
Christian Science Monitor,
20 June 2025
Verb
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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
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The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the region through Monday evening, predicting potential rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated amounts up to 10 inches.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Austin American Statesman,
7 July 2025
Verb
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The final scene implies that so long as there are desperate individual people, there will always be an opportunity for a Squid Game.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
27 June 2025
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Billionaire hedge-fund manager Bill Ackman offered to bankroll someone, anyone, who would run against Mamdani, implying his mayoralty would spur a flight with the ultrarich.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
27 June 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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To say it was highly anticipated is an understatement: crowds gathered outside the church, as did the press, eager to see the high ranking British aristocrat wed one of the country’s wealthiest women.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prefigure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefigure. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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