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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prologue

But the extent to which the past is prologue is uncertain. — Howard Lee, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026

But the recent past need not be prologue. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 17 June 2026

This Cannes Directors’ Fortnight prizewinner sets out its pitch-black-comic stall early with a prologue in which, after a brief contretemps, local man Raoul Brun (Jean-Louis Coulloc’h) blows his supercilious neighbor’s head off with a shotgun and then disappears. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 June 2026

Kicking off Summer Game Fest 2026, the teaser centered on Claire Redfield exploring a Paris apartment complex in what looks like an extended prologue, before a mysterious figure grabs her in a hallway. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026