Definition of prefatorynext
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

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 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
  • That vision also includes preparatory work, through robotic landings in the general region of the lunar south pole, targeted to happen as often as once a month starting in 2027.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The Joint Budget Committee’s half-dozen members finished their extensive preparatory work on the annual spending plan last week.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2026
  • As an introductory offer, the first drone delivery order of $10 or more gets a $5 discount and free delivery.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • At his first court appearance Thursday afternoon, Fiapoto pleaded not guilty and insisted on a fast preliminary hearing, according to court records.
    Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • The department said that preliminary information suggests that a rip current was connected to the deadly incident.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prefatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefatory. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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