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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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 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
  • While Brentford look to be edging closer to the finished article under Keith Andrews, Roberto De Zerbi is still stuck on his introduction.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • That probably was because of the introduction of a lower tax rate on qualified dividends.
    Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • What could have been a throwaway nibble instead becomes a thought-through, gripping preface that sets up what’s to come.
    Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • In the preface of her new book, MJ Corey offers a note of apology for pouring so much energy into analyzing a family that’s famously famous for being famous, and for little else, said Megan Garber in The Atlantic.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • The new edition includes previously unseen archival photographs, a new introduction, a personal eulogy for late Smiths bassist Andy Rourke and a foreword from Oasis’ Noel Gallagher.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The book features previously-unseen archival photography, a new introduction, a personal eulogy for Johnny’s friend and the Smiths’ bassist Andy Rourke, and a foreword by Noel Gallagher.
    Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prolusion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prolusion. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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