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

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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 The film arrives with a bang, introducing the fragile ceasefire between its warring (though unnamed) desert nations via a smart split-screen prologue during its first five minutes. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 29 Dec. 2025 According to Variety, the prologue includes footages of the famous Trojan Horse landing in Troy and Odysseus’ leading his army to victory. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 22 Dec. 2025 And a prologue to the film played this weekend with IMAX 70mm screenings of Sinners and One Battle After Another, showing Odysseus and his men hiding inside that Trojan Horse just before the start of the Battle of Troy. Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Dec. 2025 The past is never prologue to him. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prologue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prologue
Noun
  • When Alvarado asked if the singles are the prelude to the first full album from GNR to feature him and fellow OG member bassist Duff McKagan since the Illusion LPs, Slash dropped a double-dose of good news.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2026
  • For instance, with Saturn and Neptune entering your seventh house of partnerships for the first time in decades (after a brief prelude in 2025), you're presented with an opportunity to level up in both your personal and professional life.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • His introduction, usually bestowed by an actor or musician, was this year delivered on video by President Barack Obama.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Five minutes can be an eternity in montage time, but the movie’s lengthy introduction is a daring announcement of historical scope.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Lower‑demand preliminaries will likely be the most affordable, while high‑profile events—gymnastics finals, swimming finals, track and field, and the opening ceremony—will sit at the top end of the pricing spectrum.
    Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2026
  • Is it reduced to yet another fill-in-the-blank preliminary to a national title game in some super-duper-they-look-alike stadium?
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • This excerpt includes the book’s preface and the lyrics and commentaries for six songs.
    John Darnielle, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • With a new foreword from Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza, Chang’s exposé historicizes the plight of today’s immigrant working women.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Kris Jenner wrote the foreword for the book.
    Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • No Annual Fee 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.
    Ryley Amond, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026
  • With a rocking intro song from Duran Duran, the music of A View to a Kill stands out among the best in the franchise.
    Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prologue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prologue. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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