Synonyms of prologue

prologue

noun

ˈprō-ˌlȯg 

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

• prelude
• preliminary
• overture
• preamble
• curtain-raiser
• warm-up
• lead-in
• countdown
• start
• kickoff
• run-up

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

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prologue

The opening moments cement its tonal dissonance as, with a twang of Daniel Kowalski’s spare, uneasy score, a brief prologue with fire, a flailing figure and mutterings about Satan snaps to a far more banal view of an empty street lined with dim, shuttered houses under a low, gray sky. —Jessica Kiang, Variety, 30 May 2025

Suffice to say that Boyle and Garland maintain their pop-cultural savvy to the end, and that none of their characters’ names—watch the prologue carefully—have been chosen idly. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 June 2025

This occurs during a prologue in which a narrator describes the relationship between the blues and the spirit world. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 20 Apr. 2025

While there was a very nice prologue anime done by Satelight that set the tone of the narrative, the game’s eventual story was just plain confusing. —Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025