Definition of prefacenext
as in introduction
a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part a noted critic has written a short preface to her story to explain some of the historical background

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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 preface Hasbro executives preface discussions about the AI studio with some important caveats. — Joan Verdon, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026 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 Trump’s preface opens by celebrating counterterrorism achievements that analysts describe as inflated or lacking in nuance. — Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for preface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preface
Noun
  • The Air Max Plus was designed by Sean McDowell and first released in 1998, serving as an introduction to Nike’s latest cushioning breakthrough, Tuned Air.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Larkin, wearing street clothes, was booed during pregame introductions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • According to Complex, Kid Rock elaborates on a different, higher profile collaboration on his forthcoming album in the project’s foreword.
    — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The lavish collection includes a foreword by royal journalist and biographer Tina Brown, who spent one-on-one time with the late princess during a lunch at the Four Seasons in New York just weeks before her death.
    — Sophie Dunne, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The prologue starts in 1986 in Newfoundland with a family relocating, uprooting their lives in the most all-encompassing of ways, taking their entire home — propped up on a barge and steered by a lone motorboat — across a bay.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In fact, the historical episodes depicted in the prologue — historical episodes that occurred in 1956 — remain unpunished to this day.
    — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preface. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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