PRELUDES Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

preludes

noun

plural of prelude

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

Relevance

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

The Saudi overtures come at a sensitive time for the kingdom.

— Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Hardliners in Iran initially criticized Pezeshkian and Araghchi’s diplomatic overtures to Washington, deeming a decision to visit the country actively waging war against them as a sign of surrender.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of overtures

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 preliminaries

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.

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prelude

preludes

prelusive

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Style

“Preludes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preludes. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of preludes

noun

Example Sentences

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