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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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 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
  1. overtures
  2. preliminaries
Noun
  • Trump has alternated between threats and diplomatic overtures to get the job done, but the war is now approaching six months with no end in sight.
    — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The dispute was overcome only after Sánchez made overtures to Morocco, acknowledging its rule over the territory.
    — Kelsey Norman, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of overtures
Noun
  • But all of that was just the preliminaries for Grady Emerson.
    — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
  • The meet continues Thursday, a day consisting largely of women’s preliminaries, followed by men’s finals Friday and women’s finals Saturday.
    — Mike Wilson, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Definition of preliminaries

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curtain-raiser
curtain-raisers
curtains
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Cite this Entry

“Curtain-raisers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtain-raisers. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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