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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 preface
International execs participating on a Red Sea Souk panel on ‘Futureproofing our Industry’, steered by Library Pictures International CEO David Taghioff, shared their thoughts on the deal as a preface to the main topic of the discussion.
—
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2025
And to preface, these are optional.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
Prud’homme has ordered an archival binder and plans to create a preface that contextualizes Derome’s life alongside the artwork.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
However, for co-founder Michiel Beers, who started the festival with his brother, Manu, in 2005, creating one of the largest music festivals was just the preface to his Tomorrowland story.
—Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preface
Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2025
And to preface, these are optional.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
Prud’homme has ordered an archival binder and plans to create a preface that contextualizes Derome’s life alongside the artwork.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
However, for co-founder Michiel Beers, who started the festival with his brother, Manu, in 2005, creating one of the largest music festivals was just the preface to his Tomorrowland story.
—Steve Baltin, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preface
Noun
-
But the medium has evolved throughout history, never more so than in recent decades with the introduction of digital tools that can rapidly render complex forms.—
Edward Keegan,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
-
The 98th Oscars will also see the introduction of a new prize, Best Casting, which is the first new category to be added to the Academy Awards in more than 20 years.—
Jodi Guglielmi,
Rolling Stone,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
With a foreword by fellow Oaklander and Native American author Tommy Orange, Wahpepah’s book invites readers to a pre-colonial cuisine of bison roast with chokeberry rub, acorn muffins and wild rice fritters stuffed with apples, cranberries, pepita crema and much more.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The Triennial is typically preceded by a prologue, taking place a year before the main exhibition.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
10 Mar. 2026
-
La Fontaine’s fable runs to 44 lines; after the infernal prologue, the remaining 40 sketch the fortunes of Hell’s two daughters.—
Jan Steyn,
The Dial,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preface. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
