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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Recent Examples of preface
The Life of Herod the Great—which includes a preface and introduction written by Hurston and commentary written by Plant—stops at chapter 19.
—
Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2025
Butler's concerns about machine evolution received mixed reactions, according to Butler in the preface to the second edition of Erewhon.
—Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2025
The book is handsome, the notes extensive, and Benjamin’s crisp preface is thoughtful and sincere.
—Joy Williams, Harper's Magazine, 2 May 2024
Read below for an exclusive excerpt from the preface of Inheriting Magic.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for preface
Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2025
Butler's concerns about machine evolution received mixed reactions, according to Butler in the preface to the second edition of Erewhon.
—Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2025
The book is handsome, the notes extensive, and Benjamin’s crisp preface is thoughtful and sincere.
—Joy Williams, Harper's Magazine, 2 May 2024
Read below for an exclusive excerpt from the preface of Inheriting Magic.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for preface
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Cite this Entry
“Preface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preface. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
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