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
Examples 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 prologue
Lisa’s journey within fashion has an interesting prologue–it’s marked by her eagerness to have a say in the unfolding fashion story in Africa before the mainstream media was paying attention.
—
Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 25 Nov. 2024
In a transfixing performance, Lily-Rose Depp plays Ellen, introduced in an early 19th century prologue as an emotionally isolated teenager at a low point in her young life.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Dec. 2024
In the prologue, Elphaba overhears a conversation between the Lion, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and Dorothy exchanging transvestigator-leaning hearsay about the witch.
—James Factora, Them, 25 Nov. 2024
David Prior’s and Jennifer Kent’s episodes are standouts, but nearly every short story is well acted and immaculately designed (including the episodic prologues that feature del Toro tinkering with a gigantic physical prop of the titular cabinet) and will leave you wanting more.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prologue 
Ugonnaora Owoh, Essence, 25 Nov. 2024
In a transfixing performance, Lily-Rose Depp plays Ellen, introduced in an early 19th century prologue as an emotionally isolated teenager at a low point in her young life.
—David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Dec. 2024
In the prologue, Elphaba overhears a conversation between the Lion, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and Dorothy exchanging transvestigator-leaning hearsay about the witch.
—James Factora, Them, 25 Nov. 2024
David Prior’s and Jennifer Kent’s episodes are standouts, but nearly every short story is well acted and immaculately designed (including the episodic prologues that feature del Toro tinkering with a gigantic physical prop of the titular cabinet) and will leave you wanting more.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prologue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prologue
Noun
-
The altcoin rally observed since November appears to be a prelude to a bigger altcoin season in 2025.Marie Poteriaieva, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
-
If past is prelude, Trump’s resulting approach will likely be highly disruptive—especially since some of his goals are mutually incompatible.Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The Animal Humane Society says that the best introductions are done outdoors, in a neutral space so neither dog is overwhelmed.Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
-
There was a head-spinning number of perfume introductions around the globe this year.Jennifer Weil, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
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
-
In 1988: Greg Louganis won the gold medal in the 3-meter springboard at the Seoul Olympics one day after hitting his head on the diving board during the preliminaries.Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 21 Sep. 2024
Noun
-
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening.Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2024
-
Those put forward by agencies were handed an automatic headstart by being given a two-page script to read for their audition rather than the simple intro.Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near prologue
Cite this Entry
“Prologue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prologue. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share