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
The two countries did made tentative overtures in the late 1990s, when Iranians were electing politicians on promises of greater personal freedom and openness.
—
Karl Vick, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
Despite his positive words about the regime, which is practically unchanged save Maduro’s absence, in the last few days Trump has made overtures to María Corina Machado, the Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader who was barred from running in Venezuela’s 2024 general election.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
Whether that holds true will depend on her political overtures.
—Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
Johnson rejected the Raiders’ overtures and instead took a job with the Chicago Bears, who just won their first NFC North title since 2018.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Plenty of conferences made overtures, but rather than itching to keep up with the Joneses, Bourne studied his peers.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
Instead, New Delhi has made significant overtures to Europe, including accelerating efforts to conclude trade agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Union.
—Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
In all, Paramount made six overtures over 12 weeks.
—Aaron Weinman, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025
Now, current Nittany Lions will have to weigh whether or not to stick around and play for Campbell, who's done a lot with a little in Ames while reportedly passing on other job offers, including overtures from the NFL.
—CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
Karl Vick, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
Despite his positive words about the regime, which is practically unchanged save Maduro’s absence, in the last few days Trump has made overtures to María Corina Machado, the Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader who was barred from running in Venezuela’s 2024 general election.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
Whether that holds true will depend on her political overtures.
—Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 7 Jan. 2026
Johnson rejected the Raiders’ overtures and instead took a job with the Chicago Bears, who just won their first NFC North title since 2018.
—Michael Silver, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Plenty of conferences made overtures, but rather than itching to keep up with the Joneses, Bourne studied his peers.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
Instead, New Delhi has made significant overtures to Europe, including accelerating efforts to conclude trade agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Union.
—Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
In all, Paramount made six overtures over 12 weeks.
—Aaron Weinman, Fortune, 9 Dec. 2025
Now, current Nittany Lions will have to weigh whether or not to stick around and play for Campbell, who's done a lot with a little in Ames while reportedly passing on other job offers, including overtures from the NFL.
—CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overtures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overtures. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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