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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Altman resisted any trade overtures at the time.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026 -
Orrick, who did not acknowledge the city’s overtures, appeared more interested in what Lee had to say.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Lower‑demand preliminaries will likely be the most affordable, while high‑profile events—gymnastics finals, swimming finals, track and field, and the opening ceremony—will sit at the top end of the pricing spectrum.—
Paris Wilson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Jan. 2026
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The contestant from Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, took a scary tumble during the evening gown round at Wednesday’s preliminaries and was carried away in a stretcher, according to social media videos which circulated of her fall.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
21 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Curtain-raisers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtain-raisers. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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