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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curtain-raisers
Noun
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No deals materialized despite the Sussexes’ overtures.—
Matt Donnelly,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026 -
Shortly before launching his solo career in 1972, Thompson politely declined Don Henley and Glenn Frey’s overtures to join what soon became the Eagles.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The hockey playoffs weren’t affected by the storm and are expected to start on March 2 with Division II preliminaries.—
Jacob Rousseau,
The Providence Journal,
26 Feb. 2026
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Switzerland crushed Germany in the men’s curling preliminaries, keeping a consistent lead before ending the game with a score of 8-4.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
17 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Curtain-raisers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtain-raisers. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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