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
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Recent Examples of preamble
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
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
See All Example Sentences for preamble
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
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
See All Example Sentences for preamble
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preamble
Noun
-
This self-mocking move may be just the prelude to a fuller jeans-guy renaissance, Heffernan suggested.—
Daniel Engber,
The Atlantic,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Experts view these displays as a prelude to deploying robots in factories and logistics centers.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Davidson himself attended the BAFTA Awards and his frequent, involuntary outbursts punctuated host Alan Cumming’s introduction and several of the early award presentations.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
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All the chaos in the game, including Alexis Mac Allister’s late chances and stoppage-time winner, followed Ngumoha’s introduction.—
Gregg Evans,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
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
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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
Noun
-
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
-
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
Noun
-
My favorite story about how artists make something out of nothing appears in her foreword to Beloved.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
17 Feb. 2026
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Justice Elena Kagan even gave it a nod in her foreword.—
Ella Lee,
The Hill,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preamble.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preamble. Accessed 25 Feb. 2026.
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