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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  • Within the same country, a city break can mean seafood and island hopping, a cross-border weekend, centuries of university history or an introduction to life in the Arctic.
    — David Nikel, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • This was my introduction, on a hot Tuesday afternoon, to Shimamoto’s peerless ramen.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of introduction
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
Definition of foreword
Noun
  • However, CyberLeek seems to have retaliated by leaking footage showing the apparent prologue of the game.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Maybe that’s because Scott is trying to differentiate the narrative style of the prologue from Tracy’s chapter.
    — Keziah Weir, Vanity Fair, 13 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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