as in to foreshadow
to give a slight indication of beforehand
the first crocus traditionally prefigures the arrival of spring
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prefigure
This early embrace of mechanical rhythm prefigured what would later become a foundation of hip-hop and electronic music.
—
Jose Valentino Ruiz, The Conversation, 13 June 2025
Its extreme hostility to the very idea of liberal governance, its skepticism of democracy, and its faith in the primacy of the wealthy over the law all prefigured the way that Trump and Elon Musk would assail key functions of government in 2025.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
The widescreen, 35mm format prefigured IMAX and other high-density imagery in a way that still stuns on screen.
—John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2025
It is also prefigured (another Biblical device) by Pharaoh’s order, in Exodus, to kill all male babies born to Hebrew mothers.
—Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefigure
Jose Valentino Ruiz, The Conversation, 13 June 2025
Its extreme hostility to the very idea of liberal governance, its skepticism of democracy, and its faith in the primacy of the wealthy over the law all prefigured the way that Trump and Elon Musk would assail key functions of government in 2025.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
The widescreen, 35mm format prefigured IMAX and other high-density imagery in a way that still stuns on screen.
—John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2025
It is also prefigured (another Biblical device) by Pharaoh’s order, in Exodus, to kill all male babies born to Hebrew mothers.
—Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefigure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefigure
Verb
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If difficulty finding workers is the main factor, weak hiring trends probably aren’t foreshadowing wider layoffs, and the Federal Reserve can keep interest rates high.—
Ashley Lutz,
Fortune,
9 Aug. 2025
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And head coach Sarina Wiegman became football’s Steven Spielberg — an instant foreshadowing expert.—
Karen Carney,
New York Times,
27 July 2025
Verb
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The Almanac also accurately predicted a deep cold spell at the end of January.—
Diana Leyva,
The Tennessean,
12 Aug. 2025
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Some have predicted that the feud between Massie and Trump could devolve into a costly intra-party civil war for Republicans.—
Robert Schmad,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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As its name implies, placing the radiometer in light produces a measurable change: the blades start spinning.—
Andrew Cunningham,
ArsTechnica,
14 Aug. 2025
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That implies roughly 28% potential upside ahead for Sunrun shares, which have gained more than 18% this year.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
14 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Ultimately, this recipe is heralded as a unique, not-your-usual cobbler that wows even the most classic of Southern cooks.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
5 Aug. 2025
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The taxidermied bird hung on the wall is prominently featured on Soul’s website, a mascot of sorts, heralding the restaurant’s return.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Attendance at the always popular Wilson County Fair has exploded after its partnership with the Tennessee State Fair, and big crowds are anticipated again this year with new rides, competitions and exhibits.—
Andy Humbles,
The Tennessean,
12 Aug. 2025
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While the Louisville plant expansion will initially employ fewer workers than currently, Ford anticipates future growth and no layoffs, with some workers potentially taking buyouts or transferring.—
Olivia Evans,
The Courier-Journal,
12 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prefigure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefigure. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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