CURTAIN-RAISERS Synonyms: 12 Similar Words

curtain-raisers

noun

plural of curtain-raiser

as in preludes

a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event the opening of the performing arts center proved to be a curtain-raiser for the rebirth of the city's downtown

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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 curtain-raisers After epic curtain-raisers in 1970 and 1986, this year’s inaugural match will feature a resurgent Mexico against a youthful South Africa team. — Jonathan Thompson, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curtain-raisers

Noun

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
Marconi has resisted overtures from private equity firms, which have shown a growing appetite to invest in the food industry.

— Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 23 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

Browse Nearby Words

curtain-raiser

curtain-raisers

curtains

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“Curtain-raisers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtain-raisers. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of curtain-raisers

noun

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