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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 overture
Late last year, Warner rebuffed Paramount’s overtures to instead strike a $72 billion studio and streaming deal with Netflix.
—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Late last year, Warner rebuffed Paramount’s overtures to instead strike a $72 billion studio and streaming deal with Netflix.
—ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
More than a half-dozen sources close to Zaslav say that the CEO has barely concealed his frustration at being boxed into selling the company by the aggressive overtures of Paramount Skydance chief David Ellison last fall and winter.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
When that venture didn’t work out, Elliott returned to the recording business, turning down overtures from Emanuel, who was the best man at his wedding, to work as an agent.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overture
Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Late last year, Warner rebuffed Paramount’s overtures to instead strike a $72 billion studio and streaming deal with Netflix.
—ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026
More than a half-dozen sources close to Zaslav say that the CEO has barely concealed his frustration at being boxed into selling the company by the aggressive overtures of Paramount Skydance chief David Ellison last fall and winter.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
When that venture didn’t work out, Elliott returned to the recording business, turning down overtures from Emanuel, who was the best man at his wedding, to work as an agent.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for overture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overture
prelude
Noun
-
The California Classic, a July prelude to the more expansive Las Vegas NBA Summer League, has released a schedule that will have a version of the Heat back on the court on July 3.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Their heartfelt hospitality is a prelude to the deeply personal food and drinks to come.—
Louisa Kung Liu Chu,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overture. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
