prologue

noun

ˈprō-ˌlȯg How to pronounce prologue (audio)
variants also prolog
Definition of prologuenext
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

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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

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 Hope also confirmed that these inclement weather conditions will play an actual role in how the survival gameplay evolves over the course of the game, but for now the prologue keeps things mostly on-rails. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2026 However, CyberLeek seems to have retaliated by leaking footage showing the apparent prologue of the game. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 This excerpt combines the prologue and a chapter focused on his mother’s beginnings in Cleveland’s police department. — Wilbert L. Cooper, Longreads, 25 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 See All Example Sentences for prologue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prologue
  1. prelude
  2. introduction
  3. preliminary
  4. preface
  5. foreword
  6. intro
Noun
  • Historically, that has been a prelude to a plan getting dropped entirely.
    — Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Serving light bites developed with chef Noof Al Marri, the Qatar Lounge acted as a prelude to the second edition of Art Basel Qatar in January.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of prelude
Noun
  • WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Northen California hosts my introduction to the 2027 Bentley Supersports.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2026
  • With the right industry executives and commercial introductions, sports can become an additional growth engine rather than the company’s original identity.
    — Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of introduction
Noun
  • This year’s Miss World competition recently made headlines during the preliminaries when Ugandan delegate Elle Muhoza made a powerful fashion statement.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But all of that was just the preliminaries for Grady Emerson.
    — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
Definition of preliminary
Noun
  • The book, published by Phaidon, features a preface by Andrea Gaudenzi, chairman of the ATP, a foreword by former player Rod Laver and text by tennis writer Mark Hodgkinson.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Li offers hints of how Field and Adelaide’s destiny came to pass, with a preface and short flash-forward scenes that striate the narrative.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of preface
Noun
  • The book, published by Phaidon, features a preface by Andrea Gaudenzi, chairman of the ATP, a foreword by former player Rod Laver and text by tennis writer Mark Hodgkinson.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Sonny Rollins, who died the month before the volume came out, and Kurt Elling contribute forewords and afterwords.
    — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of foreword
Noun
  • The game’s intro devolved into a Saw-esque monologue, then Fallon made a dude drink pond water.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Reading a book, a poem, seeing a painting or a sculpture, or even hearing the intro of a song.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of intro

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prolocutors
prologue
prologues
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Cite this Entry

“Prologue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prologue. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prologue

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prologue

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