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
Relevance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curtain-raisers
overtures
Noun
-
The company didn’t name Paramount or any others that have made M&A overtures.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
24 Oct. 2025 -
On Wednesday, the New York Post started speculating that Ellison may decide to turn his quiet overtures to the Paramount board into a hostile-takeover attempt, something that doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
23 Oct. 2025
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.
Cite this Entry
“Curtain-raisers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtain-raisers. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share