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
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
No sooner had the team posed for its last photo hoisting the Championship trophy into the air past had become prologue, Kang explained.
—
Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 17 May 2025
The prologue to the course features BBC Maestro Chief Executive Michael Levine and Christie’s great-grandson James Prichard, chairman and CEO of Agatha Christie Ltd., explaining the care put into the series.
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
In just 14 pages, the prologue represents everything AIs can’t do yet in writing.
—Kelsey Piper, Vox, 12 May 2025
The antique-sounding names and places seem to be a conceit to show that past is prologue.
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prologue
Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 17 May 2025
The prologue to the course features BBC Maestro Chief Executive Michael Levine and Christie’s great-grandson James Prichard, chairman and CEO of Agatha Christie Ltd., explaining the care put into the series.
—Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
In just 14 pages, the prologue represents everything AIs can’t do yet in writing.
—Kelsey Piper, Vox, 12 May 2025
The antique-sounding names and places seem to be a conceit to show that past is prologue.
—Frank Digiacomo, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prologue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prologue
Noun
-
That served as a prelude to Tim Anderson smashing his own two-run shot off Zack Britton in the bottom of the inning to send the White Sox home winners.—
Tim Britton,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
-
And treat every phase not as prelude to the final answer but as a source of directional learning.—
Benjamin Laker,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Noun
-
When her name was called out last as part of the Sky’s pregame introductions, the franchise-record crowd of 19,496 gave a roaring ovation for the player who helped bring the team its only championship, along with her more than 2,000 assists and 3,700 points.—
Ben Pickman,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
-
Transformation usually follows a clear introduction — a breakout role, a first book, a memorable performance.—
Thania Garcia,
Variety,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
And this month, he was seeded No. 1 in the Division II 50-yard freestyle at CIF and won in the preliminaries before being edged in the finals by 0.05 seconds.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 May 2025
-
As a preliminary for Roland Garros, a good run in Rome will do just fine to get the rust out of the racket.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
6 May 2025
Noun
-
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the choices are tap and theater history, intro to a capella or props design.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
1 June 2025
-
Following a hilarious intro from the film’s stars – Daniel Craig, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner and more – viewers were treated to an exclusive sneak peek of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prologue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prologue. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share