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

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 preludes By her own admission, the preludes and parallels of a musical composition are woven into the very structure of the novel. — Sky Davis, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026

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

Noun

Pitt State and Boschee Ball Former KU guard Jeff Boschee, the fifth-year head coach at Pitt State, received a loud ovation during player and coach introductions.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
Many of the showrunners grounded their introductions in reality.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of introductions

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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 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of preludes

noun

Example Sentences

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