PREFACE Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

preface

noun

ˈpre-fəs

Definition of preface

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

Relevance

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 The book arrives on the scene six years before Wordsworth’s preface to the Lyrical Ballads (considered the first Romantic manifesto). — Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 Hasbro executives preface discussions about the AI studio with some important caveats. — Joan Verdon, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for preface

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preface

Noun

This was three years before the introduction of Tesla’s Autopilot, five years before Waymo spun out of the Google self-driving car project, and seven years before the first commercial robotaxi service got underway (in Arizona, not Nevada).

— Andrew Hawkins, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026
Both Wickersham’s 13-page introduction to the book and the foreword by ESPN senior writer Wright Thompson concentrate on the craft of writing.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of introduction

Noun

The deluxe book features a foreword from Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock, a history of the 101’ers by band member Richard Nother Dudanski, plus Strummer’s own writings and illustrations.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 8 Oct. 2026
According to Complex, Kid Rock elaborates on a different, higher profile collaboration on his forthcoming album in the project’s foreword.

— Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of foreword

Cite this Entry

Style

“Preface.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preface. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of preface

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Parts of a Book: Quire, Colophon, and...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of preface

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to preface

Parts of a Book: Quire, Colophon, and...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes