as in to foreshadow
to give a slight indication of beforehand
the first crocus traditionally prefigures the arrival of spring
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prefigure
The details are what captivate; chrome strips on the hood and sides, and exquisite chrome hood hinges prefiguring the decklid hinges on Ferrari’s 275 GTB/4.
—
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024
Woody’s facial-recognition research in the 1960s prefigured all these technological breakthroughs and their queasy ethical implications.
—Shaun Raviv, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2020
The index, which measures wholesale prices – and thus generally prefigures changes in the CPI – was unchanged in September from August, defying expectations from a Dow Jones survey of a 0.1% increase.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2024
Westchester County during the Revolutionary War prefigured the Wild West before that concept had entered a dime novelist’s mind.
—Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for prefigure 
Robert Ross, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024
Woody’s facial-recognition research in the 1960s prefigured all these technological breakthroughs and their queasy ethical implications.
—Shaun Raviv, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2020
The index, which measures wholesale prices – and thus generally prefigures changes in the CPI – was unchanged in September from August, defying expectations from a Dow Jones survey of a 0.1% increase.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2024
Westchester County during the Revolutionary War prefigured the Wild West before that concept had entered a dime novelist’s mind.
—Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 15 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for prefigure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefigure
Verb
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Specifically, the credits now foreshadow particular moments that emerge over the course of the season: Look no further than the moment when innie Mark hobbles about a hilly grassland, which turns to be an actual milieu for a scene anchored by Gwendoline Christie in episode three.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
5 Feb. 2025
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The ending is foreshadowed throughout the movie, as disturbing behavior from Annie's kids and herself eventually turns fatal.—
Erica Marrison,
People.com,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
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That’s the part that’s really difficult to predict and build into an analysis.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes,
11 Feb. 2025
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Fundamental research in the biology of branching helps cure cardiovascular diseases and cancer, design materials that can heal themselves and predict how trees will respond to a changing climate.—
Mitchell Newberry,
The Conversation,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Pivotal nearly doubled its target to $125 from $65 — implying 44% upside from Thursday’s close — while Wells Fargo upped its target to $129 from $74, which reflects more than 48% upside potential.—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 2025
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Your question implies that there was something to lose.—
Jason Parham,
WIRED,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The show was heralded for its highlighting of iconic and diverse neighborhoods and locations across Los Angeles that have sometimes been ignored by other Hollywood productions.—
Jayne Yutig,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
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While not a household name for some, New Orleans native Ledisi is heralded among fans for her potent vocals and colorful riffs integrated within a spirited fusion of R&B, soul, gospel and jazz.—
Gail Mitchell,
Billboard,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Full moons Here are the rest of the full moons to anticipate this year.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN,
11 Feb. 2025
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Bealer anticipates the project will be completed by mid-May with the pool open to the public starting May 31.—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near prefigure
Cite this Entry
“Prefigure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefigure. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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