as in to foreshadow
to give a slight indication of beforehand
the first crocus traditionally prefigures the arrival of spring
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 prefigure
This early embrace of mechanical rhythm prefigured what would later become a foundation of hip-hop and electronic music.
—
Jose Valentino Ruiz, The Conversation, 13 June 2025
Its extreme hostility to the very idea of liberal governance, its skepticism of democracy, and its faith in the primacy of the wealthy over the law all prefigured the way that Trump and Elon Musk would assail key functions of government in 2025.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
The widescreen, 35mm format prefigured IMAX and other high-density imagery in a way that still stuns on screen.
—John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2025
It is also prefigured (another Biblical device) by Pharaoh’s order, in Exodus, to kill all male babies born to Hebrew mothers.
—Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefigure
Jose Valentino Ruiz, The Conversation, 13 June 2025
Its extreme hostility to the very idea of liberal governance, its skepticism of democracy, and its faith in the primacy of the wealthy over the law all prefigured the way that Trump and Elon Musk would assail key functions of government in 2025.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
The widescreen, 35mm format prefigured IMAX and other high-density imagery in a way that still stuns on screen.
—John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2025
It is also prefigured (another Biblical device) by Pharaoh’s order, in Exodus, to kill all male babies born to Hebrew mothers.
—Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prefigure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefigure
Verb
-
The film was divisive from the jump, with some critics saying Aster’s film is incendiary on purpose – meant to rile conspiracy theorists, incite liberal outrage and foreshadow the inevitability of a second Trump term.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
22 July 2025
-
The eagle’s intent watching of the tourists might have foreshadowed the aggression, Miranda says.—
Joshua Rapp Learn,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Rain showers and periodic storms are possible every day through Tuesday before humidity and heat were expected to build again in the Chicago area, the weather service predicted.—
William Tong,
Chicago Tribune,
19 July 2025
-
Western Tech doesn’t train truck drivers, but the college predicts a handful of its programs will be eligible for the new grants.—
Natalie Yahr,
jsonline.com,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
What distinguishes them from other kinds of higher-ed institutions is their first priority, which is, as their name implies, research.—
Tyler Austin Harper,
The Atlantic,
21 July 2025
-
At the first Coldplay concert since the apparent infidelity incident, Martin gently reminded the audience that their attendance implies an understanding that they may be filmed.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
21 July 2025
Verb
-
Qualifying seniors will get a bigger federal income tax deduction under the Big, Beautiful Bill that’s now law, and the Trump administration is heralding the changes as a big deal.—
David Lightman
Updated July 14,
Sacbee.com,
14 July 2025
-
Self-published by Webber in 2012, Easy was heralded as a groundbreaking work in the new adult genre which was starting to emerge at that time.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
That said, depending on how things unfold in training camp, the next phase of the franchise could begin sooner than initially anticipated.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 July 2025
-
In court filings, Pryor anticipated, and attempted to quell, the timing problem by arguing he was required to cede control of his NIL in perpetuity.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prefigure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefigure. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share