Synonyms of preface

preface

noun

ˈpre-fəs 

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

• introduction
• foreword
• prologue
• intro
• prelude
• preamble
• proem
• exordium
• beginning
• start
• prolusion
• outset
• commencement
• initiation
• opening
• origin
• origination

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• epilogue
• postscript
• conclusion
• aftermath
• end
• closing
• finish
• close
• envoi
• termination
• stop
• cessation
• finale

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of preface

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

Bagdikian, who wrote the preface to Armstrong’s book, raised doubts about the putative impartiality of the mainstream press in his 1983 book The Media Monopoly. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Apr. 2026