variants also prolog
Definition of prologuenext
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

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 prologue Stopping along the side of a road for a call of nature doesn’t turn out so well for the dudes in the prologue. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026 The backstory Nay Palad’s prologue has so many twists and turns; a book has been written about it (look up Not For Sale by the resort’s Belgian-German founder and former professional football player Robert Dekeyser). Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026 An opening scene in a French hotel room serves as a prologue to the tour itself. Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 14 May 2026 Her rock-climbing skills also come in handy when she’s trapped in a narrow gorge, and soon after when a hairy ascent provides echoes of the prologue. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prologue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prologue
Noun
  • That actually proved the prelude to an even more extraordinary attack on the board in his post-match press conference just 24 hours later, following a 2-1 defeat by Sunderland.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Look what happened last night, that was a prelude to the midterms.
    Rachel Scott, ABC News, 27 May 2026
Noun
  • An edible garden by landscape designer Lily Kwong offers overseas travelers an introduction to local plants, like the butterfly pea flower, which is commonly used in Peranakan cuisine, and fragrant pandan, which is harvested for use in some of the hotel’s food and drinks.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • The introduction of online gaming might just be the catalyst the Lottery needs to jumpstart overall sales.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • Hernandez, now a Southern Section champion again, along with all the other winners will move onto the CIF preliminaries next Saturday to face the rest of the state's top female jumpers, with a chance to get back to the state finals.
    Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
  • Tennyson never made it to the Southern Section track preliminaries after winning the league title.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • In her preface, Corey offers a note of apology for the topic at hand, quoting the author David Sinclair—who, in writing about the Spice Girls, observed that his subject would require him to defend the group’s honor and his own.
    Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026
  • As a preface, the conclusion here, deciphered from the scene by this author, was a plea for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
    Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • Featuring forewords by Beccari and K-pop star Felix, the coffee table tome will be available from June in all Louis Vuitton stores priced at $185, with sales also benefiting UNICEF.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
  • The book carried blurbs from prominent journalists, including Nicholas Thompson, The Atlantic’s chief executive, and a foreword by Maria Ressa, the Nobel Peace Prize–winning reporter from the Philippines.
    Tristan Bove, Fortune, 24 May 2026
Noun
  • Balance transfer fee There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 25 May 2026
  • The barrage of 'boos' at driver intros turned into deafening cheers.
    Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prologue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prologue. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on prologue

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster