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
Yang responded positively to the overture, Mong said.
—
Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 2 June 2026
His focus on his ties with Kelly underscored the fact that overtures to the popular governor will play a major role in winning over Democratic voters in the upcoming primary.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2026
The overture from the Raman camp, first reported by LA Material, took place after the May 6 NBC LA debate but before a Fox debate planned for the next week, Shaikh said.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Advertisement Some Shia figures made overtures to Washington and distanced themselves from the attacks, but other militias like Kataib Hezbollah are unflinching, promising to fight on.
—Nabil Salih, Time, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overture
Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 2 June 2026
His focus on his ties with Kelly underscored the fact that overtures to the popular governor will play a major role in winning over Democratic voters in the upcoming primary.
—Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2026
The overture from the Raman camp, first reported by LA Material, took place after the May 6 NBC LA debate but before a Fox debate planned for the next week, Shaikh said.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Advertisement Some Shia figures made overtures to Washington and distanced themselves from the attacks, but other militias like Kataib Hezbollah are unflinching, promising to fight on.
—Nabil Salih, Time, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for overture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overture
prelude
Noun
-
That actually proved the prelude to an even more extraordinary attack on the board in his post-match press conference just 24 hours later, following a 2-1 defeat by Sunderland.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
Look what happened last night, that was a prelude to the midterms.—
Rachel Scott,
ABC News,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overture. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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