variants
also prolog
1
as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
unfortunately, the burglary, which he committed while still a teen, was but a prologue to a wasted life of crime
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in introduction
a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part
a brief prologue sets the scene for the story that follows
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of prologue
Both men served as a prologue of sorts.
—
Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
Advertisement The show also falls prey to a few unfortunate streaming-era trends, from a penultimate flashback episode that delays the payoff of a cliffhanger by filling in backstory of questionable utility, to a scantness of plot that makes the whole short season feel like an overgrown prologue.
—Judy Berman, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
After a prologue suggesting that creepy things were happening at a government lab, the pilot was mostly introducing viewers to a group of nerdy friends who would soon be joined by a mysterious telekinetic girl with short hair in Hawkins, Indiana, circa 1983.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Jan. 2026
The novel is divided into three parts, the first of which is an extended prologue recounting Catt’s upbringing in a small blue-collar town in Connecticut.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prologue
Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026
Advertisement The show also falls prey to a few unfortunate streaming-era trends, from a penultimate flashback episode that delays the payoff of a cliffhanger by filling in backstory of questionable utility, to a scantness of plot that makes the whole short season feel like an overgrown prologue.
—Judy Berman, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
After a prologue suggesting that creepy things were happening at a government lab, the pilot was mostly introducing viewers to a group of nerdy friends who would soon be joined by a mysterious telekinetic girl with short hair in Hawkins, Indiana, circa 1983.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 1 Jan. 2026
The novel is divided into three parts, the first of which is an extended prologue recounting Catt’s upbringing in a small blue-collar town in Connecticut.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prologue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prologue
Noun
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As Bill Callahan celebrates the release of new album My Days of 58, the stalwart singer-songwriter has unveiled a prelude to his May tour of North America.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
5 Mar. 2026
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That was just a prelude of an incredible ending in which the Red Devils won the final four events of the meet, breaking state records in three of them.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And with the introduction of varieties bought in full bloom and grown in containers, more Southerners can enjoy these plants than ever before.—
Zoe Gowen,
Southern Living,
8 Mar. 2026
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Despite the groundhog’s predictions, Texas has already welcomed warmer weather along with the introduction of severe weather season — both indicative of the seasonal shift.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The hockey playoffs weren’t affected by the storm and are expected to start on March 2 with Division II preliminaries.—
Jacob Rousseau,
The Providence Journal,
26 Feb. 2026
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Switzerland crushed Germany in the men’s curling preliminaries, keeping a consistent lead before ending the game with a score of 8-4.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In his preface of the American Legion’s Junior Baseball for 1938 program, Chaillaux noted that 500,000 boys participated in Legion ball.—
Bill Swank,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
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Colbert opened his Monday night broadcast with a preface in light of Reiner’s death, as well as the shootings at Bondi Beach and Brown University.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
16 Dec. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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No Annual Fee - our low intro rates and all the benefits don't come with a yearly charge.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2026
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Kids ages six to 16 can learn circus skills, including ground apparatus, aerial apparatus, trampoline, flying trapeze, aerial fitness and intro to aerials.—
Alyson Rodriguez,
Dallas Morning News,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prologue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prologue. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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