Definition of prefacenext
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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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 preface Hasbro executives preface discussions about the AI studio with some important caveats. — Joan Verdon, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026 In her preface, Corey offers a note of apology for the topic at hand, quoting the author David Sinclair—who, in writing about the Spice Girls, observed that his subject would require him to defend the group’s honor and his own. — Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026 As a preface, the conclusion here, deciphered from the scene by this author, was a plea for Giannis Antetokounmpo. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 16 May 2026 Trump’s preface opens by celebrating counterterrorism achievements that analysts describe as inflated or lacking in nuance. — Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for preface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preface
Noun
  • In your view, does the introduction of sovereign venture capital in the Spanish film and TV industry encourage a change of mindset in the industry?
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Someone could offer knowledge, encouragement, or an introduction that makes an idea feel less imaginary.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The lavish collection includes a foreword by royal journalist and biographer Tina Brown, who spent one-on-one time with the late princess during a lunch at the Four Seasons in New York just weeks before her death.
    — Sophie Dunne, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Published by Curvebender in honor of Martin’s centenary, the book features a new foreword written by another knight of the turntable, Sir Paul McCartney.
    — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In fact, the historical episodes depicted in the prologue — historical episodes that occurred in 1956 — remain unpunished to this day.
    — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The premise couldn’t be simpler, though Wollner’s incredible prologue — a careful arrangement of low-event long takes that emphasize how people move through spaces in time — trains our eyes to privilege texture over incident.
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preface. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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