1
as in prologue
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 introduction
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
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Recent Examples of prelude
Perhaps as a prelude to a settlement, Salem Media just issued another apology for allowing Colorado podcaster Joe Oltmann to voice false statements about Coomer on air.
—
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 20 June 2025
That latest dot plot carried preludes to stagflation—among the most catastrophic economic scenarios.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025
DeSantis pushed to give a property-tax rebate this year to homeowners as a prelude to asking voters in 2026 to pass a constitutional amendment to reduce or eliminate property taxes.
—Jim Turner, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2025
Seen by many as a prelude to invoking the Insurrection Act, Trump’s order to put National Guard boots on the tense streets of LA came without any consultation with Newsom, the Governor has said repeatedly the past few days.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 20 June 2025
That latest dot plot carried preludes to stagflation—among the most catastrophic economic scenarios.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025
DeSantis pushed to give a property-tax rebate this year to homeowners as a prelude to asking voters in 2026 to pass a constitutional amendment to reduce or eliminate property taxes.
—Jim Turner, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2025
Seen by many as a prelude to invoking the Insurrection Act, Trump’s order to put National Guard boots on the tense streets of LA came without any consultation with Newsom, the Governor has said repeatedly the past few days.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude
Noun
-
Suffice to say that Boyle and Garland maintain their pop-cultural savvy to the end, and that none of their characters’ names—watch the prologue carefully—have been chosen idly.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
25 June 2025
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This occurs during a prologue in which a narrator describes the relationship between the blues and the spirit world.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Asian lagers, a newer category, continue to increase in entrants since their introduction just two years ago.—
Erik Ofgang,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Key to England’s shift in momentum in the knockouts was the introduction of Birmingham City’s Jay Stansfield to the starting line-up.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
Noun
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Today's listen Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The Scripps National Spelling Bee is celebrating its 100th anniversary this week, with preliminaries kicking off last night.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
28 May 2025
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Sports High School Sports News See who qualified from Thursday's preliminaries for the CIFSS Division 1 finals on Saturday at Mt. SAC.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
8 May 2025
Noun
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Recommended Stories The 2028 Democratic presidential field begins to take shape at a low point for the party Embarrassing displays of media blindness Trump tariffs: Bargaining tool or preface to a global trade war?—
Carson Becker,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
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The funeral of Pope Francis: Even in death, Pope Francis is breaking with tradition for his funeral and burial Prior to his hospitalization, Pope Francis wrote about death in the preface of a book on old age by Italian Cardinal Angelo Scola.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The revelation has prompted outrage in Colombia and concern abroad, especially given the apparent overtures to foreign politicians and the suggestion that criminal networks could play a role in the country’s leadership transition.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
30 June 2025
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The person and his wife have now made several overtures toward reconciling with us.—
Judith Martin,
Mercury News,
20 June 2025
Noun
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Michelle Tea’s Valencia, with a foreword by Maggie Nelson, is available now from Serpent’s Tail.—
Michelle Tea
June 18,
Literary Hub,
18 June 2025
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In between ex-Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic’s foreword and Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel’s afterword is guest commentary from Patti Smith, Simple Minds’ Jim Kerr, Van Morrison, Nile Rodgers, Nancy Sinatra and others.—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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