Definition of prolusionnext
as in introduction
a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part in her prolusion she sketches the religious, cultural and political milieu in which gnosticism developed

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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 prolusion This poem seems positioned as a prolusion — his word — or prelude to set a mood of contemplation, to encourage a softness or stillness, a long view, for entering what follows. Nancy Lord, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Apr. 2022
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prolusion
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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Prolusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolusion. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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