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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of overture
Frank, who has spent much of his life in prison, initially resists these mob bosses’ overtures.
—
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
The special committee established by the Paramount board to evaluate M&A overtures rejected Project Rise’s proposal, saying the go-shop window for considering competing bids had closed.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 Mar. 2025
Ian McEwan explored this gray territory in his novel Machines Like Me, where his milquetoast protagonist smilingly tolerates his robot's romantic overtures toward his love interest—until the threat of displacement becomes all too real.
—Silvia Park, TIME, 10 Mar. 2025
Dylan must have had countless movie overtures.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overture
Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2025
The special committee established by the Paramount board to evaluate M&A overtures rejected Project Rise’s proposal, saying the go-shop window for considering competing bids had closed.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 Mar. 2025
Ian McEwan explored this gray territory in his novel Machines Like Me, where his milquetoast protagonist smilingly tolerates his robot's romantic overtures toward his love interest—until the threat of displacement becomes all too real.
—Silvia Park, TIME, 10 Mar. 2025
Dylan must have had countless movie overtures.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overture
Noun
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The city’s live music series, presented by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, is a prelude to summer, bringing Sacramento natives and visitors together to celebrate and support the local talent produced in Sacramento.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacbee.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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This investigation is a likely prelude to Trump’s tariffs to come.—
Nathaniel Weixel,
The Hill,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overture. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
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