as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
the parade down Main Street served as the overture for a weekend of fun and festivities
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Recent Examples of overture
Next step for a Spirit worker As far as what to do next, Dean Zoellers is aware of the community job fairs and the overtures of other airlines to former Spirit employees.
—
Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
Even when the houselights dim mid-overture some of them still don’t shut up.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
For much of the past decade, Gulf states — led by Saudi Arabia — have tried to do exactly that, using diplomatic overtures and economic incentives to stabilize Iraq and draw it back into the Arab fold.
—Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The endorsement will likely play a role in a Republican race that could focus heavily on support for law enforcement and overtures to right-wing voters.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overture
Miami Herald, 11 May 2026
Even when the houselights dim mid-overture some of them still don’t shut up.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
For much of the past decade, Gulf states — led by Saudi Arabia — have tried to do exactly that, using diplomatic overtures and economic incentives to stabilize Iraq and draw it back into the Arab fold.
—Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
The endorsement will likely play a role in a Republican race that could focus heavily on support for law enforcement and overtures to right-wing voters.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overture
prelude
Noun
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The race is a prelude to the Preakness, featuring 3-year-old fillies (female race horses).—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
8 May 2026
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But the June ballot isn’t just a prelude to November — some races will be decided with it.—
Abby Hamblin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overture. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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