as in preludes
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 overtures
No deals materialized despite the Sussexes’ overtures.
—
Matt Donnelly, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
Shortly before launching his solo career in 1972, Thompson politely declined Don Henley and Glenn Frey’s overtures to join what soon became the Eagles.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
By now, the standard sound of rage rap — redlining drums deployed with abandon, frenetic, almost spastic chord arrangements, and often shouted, mantra-like lyrics delivered in an impassioned scream — has become a predictable shorthand for overtures to a younger audience.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2026
In an interview with Deadline, Keyserling said the company is proud to be independent but would consider any overtures from potential partners.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has taken steps to improve relations with North Korea, but North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has slammed the overtures and laid out his vision for more nuclear development.
—Soo-Hyang Choi, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
His capture led to a swift about-face from his former deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, who welcomed US overtures almost immediately.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
The new mayor so far has declined CBS’ overtures to go on the air; a spokesperson for the mayor’s office declined to offer a response to Weiss.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
The three also had divergent views on taxpayer assistance on efforts to retain the Chicago Bears in Illinois amid overtures from Indiana.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Matt Donnelly, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
Shortly before launching his solo career in 1972, Thompson politely declined Don Henley and Glenn Frey’s overtures to join what soon became the Eagles.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026
By now, the standard sound of rage rap — redlining drums deployed with abandon, frenetic, almost spastic chord arrangements, and often shouted, mantra-like lyrics delivered in an impassioned scream — has become a predictable shorthand for overtures to a younger audience.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2026
In an interview with Deadline, Keyserling said the company is proud to be independent but would consider any overtures from potential partners.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2026
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has taken steps to improve relations with North Korea, but North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has slammed the overtures and laid out his vision for more nuclear development.
—Soo-Hyang Choi, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
His capture led to a swift about-face from his former deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, who welcomed US overtures almost immediately.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026
The new mayor so far has declined CBS’ overtures to go on the air; a spokesperson for the mayor’s office declined to offer a response to Weiss.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
The three also had divergent views on taxpayer assistance on efforts to retain the Chicago Bears in Illinois amid overtures from Indiana.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Overtures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overtures. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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