as in introduction
a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part
a noted critic has written a short preface to her story to explain some of the historical background
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Recent Examples of preface
To preface, the woman wrote that her husband has waist-length hair.
—
Rachel Flynn, People.com, 26 June 2025
Chomet has dabbled in live action as well, but only recently returned to animation, notably last year’s five-minute preface to Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 11 June 2025
While strong levels of consumer spending generally bode well for economic performance, several economists saw the March surge as the preface for a steep spring fall.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 30 Apr. 2025
The funeral of Pope Francis: Even in death, Pope Francis is breaking with tradition for his funeral and burial
Prior to his hospitalization, Pope Francis wrote about death in the preface of a book on old age by Italian Cardinal Angelo Scola.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preface
Rachel Flynn, People.com, 26 June 2025
Chomet has dabbled in live action as well, but only recently returned to animation, notably last year’s five-minute preface to Todd Phillips’ Joker: Folie à Deux.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 11 June 2025
While strong levels of consumer spending generally bode well for economic performance, several economists saw the March surge as the preface for a steep spring fall.
—Tobias Burns, The Hill, 30 Apr. 2025
The funeral of Pope Francis: Even in death, Pope Francis is breaking with tradition for his funeral and burial
Prior to his hospitalization, Pope Francis wrote about death in the preface of a book on old age by Italian Cardinal Angelo Scola.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preface
Noun
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What helped make desktop inkjets practical was the introduction of the very same cartridges that made ink so expensive.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Sep. 2025
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It was also spurred by the introduction of the antipsychotic drug chlorpromazine in the 1950s; the 1963 Community Mental Health Act to fund a system of local mental health care centers; changes in Medicaid; and landmark court decisions and federal civil rights laws.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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An article published by the wrestling news outlet Slam Wrestling in the days after Rocky's death claimed that Rocky's co-author never spoke with Dwayne about the book and that his audio interviews with Rocky featured the late wrestler giving him permission to write a foreword as Dwayne.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
23 Sep. 2025
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There’s even a foreword by the legendary food author Mollie Katzen, who wrote 1977’s Moosewood Cookbook — a staple in every vegetarian household — which really seals the deal.—
Angie Martoccio,
Rolling Stone,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preface. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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