preface

noun

pref·ace | \ˈpre-fəs

Definition of preface

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 often capitalized : a variable doxology beginning with the Sursum Corda and ending with the Sanctus in traditional eucharistic liturgies

2 : the introductory remarks of a speaker or author

3 : approach, preliminary

preface

verb

prefaced; prefacing

Definition of preface (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to make introductory remarks

transitive verb

1 : to say or write as preface a note prefaced to the manuscript

2 : precede, herald

3 : to introduce by or begin with a preface

4 : to stand in front of a porch prefaces the entrance

5 : to be a preliminary to

Other Words from preface Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about preface

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Synonyms & Antonyms for preface

Synonyms: Noun

exordium, foreword, intro, introduction, preamble, prelude, proem, prologue (also prolog), prolusion

Antonyms: Noun

epilogue (also epilog)

Examples of preface in a Sentence

Noun

The book's preface was written by the author. a noted critic has written a short preface to her story to explain some of the historical background

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Although brief, the prefaces of the first two editions and an errata page are written in a distinctive (and often complaining) voice. — Keith Stavely And Kathleen Fitzgerald, Smithsonian, "What America’s First Cookbook Says About Our Country and Its Cuisine," 12 Jan. 2018 Not only Southern children—but adults as well—use the preface ma’am or sir when speaking to someone older or in authority. — Tinsley Mortimer, Town & Country, "19 Southern Sayings and Phrases Explained," 8 Aug. 2018 One soon comes to realize that the book’s title and preface are window dressing for what is, in essence, a Cook’s tour of European civilization from Greek antiquity to the end of the Renaissance. — James Romm, WSJ, "‘Know Thyself’ Review: The Evolution of a Culture," 10 June 2018 Many texts weren’t just straight translations, but also included prefaces by notable intellectuals that explained the book’s relevance. — Amanda Laugesen, Smithsonian, "This Cold War-Era Publishing House Wanted To Share American Values With the World," 13 July 2018 The royal wedding service started the Right Reverend David Conner reading the preface. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Prince Harry Gave Meghan Markle the Sweetest Look When their Wedding Reading Mentioned Children," 20 May 2018 The preface by the Dean of Windsor kicks things off. — Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, "See the official program for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding," 18 May 2018 At the other extreme, the exquisite silence of the plates in lavish monographs is sometimes protected by only the slimmest prefaces or afterwords. — Geoff Dyer, New York Times, "The Magic of Books Where Photography Meets Essays," 18 Apr. 2018 The line, written as part of Robinson's preface to his autobiography, was penned in 1972. — Steve Gardner, USA TODAY, "Colin Kaepernick tweets Jackie Robinson quote on national anthem," 15 Apr. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

And that knowing musical number prefaces the film’s most clever meta twist. — Bryan Bishop, The Verge, "Ralph Breaks the Internet is The Lego Movie of Disney films," 14 Nov. 2018 Anna Wintour prefaced in this video—think being the operative word. — Emily Farra, Vogue, "“Everything Is for Everybody”: Anna Wintour Shares Her Top Takeaways From Paris Fashion Week," 4 Oct. 2018 In the wake of a particularly lethal week for the Trump administration, this week's episode opened with Anderson Cooper (Alex Moffat) prefacing the firing of Rex Tillerson. — Justin Kirkland, USA TODAY, "'SNL' Cold Open Addresses Tillerson Departure with Help from Goodman, Armisen, and Hader," 18 Mar. 2018 Peterson prefaces her statement on benefits of hemp by stating the FDA hasn't agreed with these statements and studies haven't completely been derived from it. — Karen Pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Six things you might be asking about hemp," 13 July 2018 Kraft prefaced her observation with a mention of her respect for President Trump and his office. — CBS News, "Pediatric doctor says separating families at border is "a form of child abuse"," 18 June 2018 The game was prefaced by a one-block parade to the field at C.C. Jackson Recreation Center. — Sarah Meehan, baltimoresun.com, "Park Heights Black Sox team gives city youth a turn at bat for sports, inspiration," 26 May 2018 Brennan prefaces each installment with an instrumental recording, a tongue-in-cheek cover of the country’s top pop song from the week of the incident featured in the episode. — James Sullivan, BostonGlobe.com, "Welcome to ‘Disgraceland,’ where music and true crime meet," 3 May 2018 For the two authors, this uncertainty prefaces their protagonists’ mental breakdowns. — Kelly Coyne, The Atlantic, "The Literary Insights of Sylvia Plath’s College Thesis," 22 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'preface.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.