variants
also prolog
1
as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
unfortunately, the burglary, which he committed while still a teen, was but a prologue to a wasted life of crime
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in introduction
a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part
a brief prologue sets the scene for the story that follows
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prologue
Trump has a clear political incentive for recasting the end of a constitutional right as the mere prologue to a triumph of direct democracy.
—
The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
Besides the prologue, at no point in my preview was I forced to play as either, though how much of that freedom extends to the full game remains to be seen.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
The prologue might end with a paroxysm of violence, but first there are a few timid whimpers of nascent pleasure; Bill Skarsgård’s base and primal Count Orlok is a nightmare who arrives on the wings of a nocturnal emission.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 Dec. 2024
There was a dividing line at ’65 and everything onward was a prologue to the ’70s.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prologue 
The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
Besides the prologue, at no point in my preview was I forced to play as either, though how much of that freedom extends to the full game remains to be seen.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025
The prologue might end with a paroxysm of violence, but first there are a few timid whimpers of nascent pleasure; Bill Skarsgård’s base and primal Count Orlok is a nightmare who arrives on the wings of a nocturnal emission.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 Dec. 2024
There was a dividing line at ’65 and everything onward was a prologue to the ’70s.
—Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prologue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prologue
Noun
-
For the past 11 seasons, being named the AP first-team All-Pro quarterback was a prelude to winning the NFL’s MVP award.—
Josh Dubow,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
-
In an interview with Politico on Monday, Caruso denied that the non-profit is a prelude to a new campaign.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Regardless, its introduction caused confusion and fear among Palestinians.—
Christine Leuenberger,
The Conversation,
7 Feb. 2025
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Changes to notification processes began immediately and were implemented over the years, including the 2018 introduction of alerts being sent to cell phones.—
Steve Koester,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Sponsored by the Miss Montgomery County Organization, the Miss Bethesda’s Teen title serves as a preliminary to the Miss Maryland and Miss America competitions.—
Susan Soldavin,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Jan. 2025
-
The Southern Section held its track and field preliminaries at four sites around Southern California on Saturday, and sophomore Brian Bonner of Valencia High continued his rise to prominence.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2024
Noun
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Balance transfer fee There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening.—
Ryley Amond,
CNBC,
4 Feb. 2025
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Our skyline is also the backdrop of one of the most iconic TV intros.—
Tasha Tsiaperas,
Axios,
29 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near prologue
Cite this Entry
“Prologue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prologue. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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