as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
the parade down Main Street served as the overture for a weekend of fun and festivities
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Recent Examples of overture
Yet historically speaking, Trump’s diplomatic overtures to Israel’s adversaries are not new.
—
Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2025
Despite overtures from numerous other nations, Türkiye has thus far proved to be the only country to successfully bring together the two parties to Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Over the past 30 years, Steve Perry has resisted practically all overtures to perform Journey classics onstage, whether as part of a solo tour or a reunion with the band.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
His allies have since reportedly made overtures to the White House for a pardon from President Trump, who has not openly ruled out clemency for the ex-senator.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overture
Aluf Benn, Foreign Affairs, 5 June 2025
Despite overtures from numerous other nations, Türkiye has thus far proved to be the only country to successfully bring together the two parties to Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Over the past 30 years, Steve Perry has resisted practically all overtures to perform Journey classics onstage, whether as part of a solo tour or a reunion with the band.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
His allies have since reportedly made overtures to the White House for a pardon from President Trump, who has not openly ruled out clemency for the ex-senator.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overture
prelude
Noun
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The event will serve as a prelude to the main iHeartCountry Festival show later that evening at 7 p.m. the Moody Center.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
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Yet the Southern California scores were a modest prelude to the job in Lebec.—
Daniel Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overture. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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