preface

noun

ˈpre-fəs How to pronounce preface (audio)
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 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 Bagdikian, who wrote the preface to Armstrong’s book, raised doubts about the putative impartiality of the mainstream press in his 1983 book The Media Monopoly. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preface
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preface
  1. introduction
  2. foreword
  3. prologue
Noun
  • Krueger is bullish on how all forms of internal load data can further individualize training regimens for athletes, comparing the evolution of the space to the introduction of GPS-tracking data into sports.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Ask them to fill out a survey, comment on a draft plan, or make introductions.
    — Melody Wilding, CNBC, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of introduction
Noun
  • The 365-page book, which includes a foreword from author and presidential historian Douglas Brinkley, is written in both prose and poem form.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Karim Lakhani wrote the foreword to Microsoft's 2026 Work Trend Index.
    — Brandon Metcalf, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of foreword
Noun
  • The horrid digital-botox prologue feels like an explosion at the Unnecessary Cameo Factory.
    — EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The off day also offers a chance to reset and review the first three practices, which served as a prologue for what’s to come this week.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of prologue

Browse Nearby Words

prefabricating
preface
prefaces
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Cite this Entry

“Preface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preface. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of preface for Spanish Speakers

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