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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 But Alfonsi in an on-air preamble and post-script introduced other information and statistics. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 20 Jan. 2026 What Shyne focuses on in this quiet, experiential preamble is not the who, the where, or the why of this person’s passing. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Jan. 2026 The rest were preambles or dead ends. Dan Turello, New Yorker, 10 Jan. 2026 His victory in November was widely seen as a preamble to deregulation, with broadcasters set to benefit. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preamble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preamble
Noun
  • Fakemink released The Boy Who Cried Terrified, a prelude to the forthcoming album, last month.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Many conservative Christians view the Jewish return to Israel as a prelude to the Second Coming.
    Shalom Goldman, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • William Shatner is a man who needs no introduction as one of the most beloved and distinguished movie stars Hollywood has ever created.
    Jeff Spry, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2026
  • This camp is a great introduction to the sport for those interested in learning the basics of water safety, kayaking, outrigger paddling and stand-up paddling.
    Jessie Dax-Setkus, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The hockey playoffs weren’t affected by the storm and are expected to start on March 2 with Division II preliminaries.
    Jacob Rousseau, The Providence Journal, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Switzerland crushed Germany in the men’s curling preliminaries, keeping a consistent lead before ending the game with a score of 8-4.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • And that long preface to editing isn’t helping, Bill Pullman notwithstanding.
    Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2026
  • In his preface of the American Legion’s Junior Baseball for 1938 program, Chaillaux noted that 500,000 boys participated in Legion ball.
    Bill Swank, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • My Jamaican Table, his first book (Springsteen wrote the foreword), is a mouth-watering mix of traditional classic dishes like oxtail with rice and peas, and curry chicken alongside modern spins on American classics, like his signature jerk smashburger with bacon jam.
    Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2026
  • This May, the 50th anniversary edition of the book—revamped with a new foreword by culinary historian and journalist Toni Tipton-Martin—will be released.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preamble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preamble. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on preamble

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster