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

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 Kim Yo-jong initially pursued fake peace overtures but is now more interested in directly escalating tensions with South Korea- to cultivate a cutthroat image to North Korean elite and the world. Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 This is a major sci-fi franchise tentpole… that has an overture. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2025 Soundtracked by a heroic overture, the rest of the vignette shows Holland performing a high-wire stunt on top of a tank and checking out his performance on a monitor between shots. Jack Dunn, Variety, 10 Aug. 2025 His administration made overtures to the Kremlin, voicing support for key Russian demands of Ukraine. Charles Maynes, NPR, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overture
prelude
Noun
  • This is especially true when considering its journey through fickle and quick-witted Gemini, a prelude of what’s to come after its official debut on July 7 for the first time in 84 years.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
  • That sweep of the Red Sox was just a prelude to six additional series for the Orioles over the season’s final six weeks that could alter the playoff picture in two different leagues.
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overture. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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