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 In the preface of her new book, MJ Corey offers a note of apology for pouring so much energy into analyzing a family that’s famously famous for being famous, and for little else, said Megan Garber in The Atlantic. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 10 June 2026 The book arrives on the scene six years before Wordsworth’s preface to the Lyrical Ballads (considered the first Romantic manifesto). — Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for preface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preface
Noun
  • Controlling Samus with all her abilities, facing off against Mother Brain in an area not seen in 3D, could be a great introduction to old and new players, as well as giving the opportunity to remake an area from a previous title.
    — Daryl Baxter, Space.com, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The introduction of the Type 076 adds another dimension to this modernisation programme.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The book, published by Phaidon, features a preface by Andrea Gaudenzi, chairman of the ATP, a foreword by former player Rod Laver and text by tennis writer Mark Hodgkinson.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Sonny Rollins, who died the month before the volume came out, and Kurt Elling contribute forewords and afterwords.
    — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Mazzoli’s score has its moments of playfulness, starting with the prologue in which the chorus members blow into kazoos.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Proceedings kicked off Saturday with MipJunior, the kids & family prolog to Mipcom proper.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preface. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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