1
as in prologues
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
an eruption of sectarian violence that proved to be the prelude to all-out civil war
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in prefaces
a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part
the musical had a brief prelude to get the audience in the proper mood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preludes
Noun
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This rosé is all about coastal herbs, grapefruit pith, white peach and sea spray, Landa prefaces.—
Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The overtures backfired, with Sheridan preferring a less corporate approach.—
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His campaign has made overtures to Republicans as the only viable candidate for people who don’t want to vote for Mamdani since polling has shown that GOP hopeful Curtis Sliwa is unlikely to be competitive.—
Noun
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Even sometimes effecting personal introductions.—
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Tatum Bethune #48 of the San Francisco 49ers runs onto the field during team introductions before an NFL game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers on January 3, 2026 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.—
Noun
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The contestant from Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, took a scary tumble during the evening gown round at Wednesday’s preliminaries and was carried away in a stretcher, according to social media videos which circulated of her fall.—
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Cite this Entry
“Preludes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preludes. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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