PREFATORY Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

prefatory

adjective

ˈpre-fə-ˌtȯr-ē

as in preparatory

coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows in prefatory remarks he offered his own definition of "civilization", a word subject to a variety of interpretations

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of prefatory Despite some discouraging downward trends, all the prefatory jawing could go a long way toward siphoning off a fair number of viewers who might otherwise be locked in on the NFL. —

Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2025 The prefatory pause gives the audience a chance to applaud a starry ensemble. —

Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefatory

Adjective

But diplomatic protocol ahead of a presidential visit to China usually sees either the US secretary of state or the national security advisor make a preparatory trip too, and that did not happen.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
Before the performance, students participate in several preparatory rehearsals.

— Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026