1
as in prologue
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
an eruption of sectarian violence that proved to be the prelude to all-out civil war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in introduction
a short section (as of a book) that leads to or explains the main part
the musical had a brief prelude to get the audience in the proper mood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 prelude
At a time when people tell you art is not important, that is always a prelude to fascism.
—
Pat Saperstein, Variety, 4 Jan. 2026
The 2006 holiday season was a prelude to their brief split in 2007.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
The Prado and Reina Sofía museums even offer free evening entry—an ideal prelude to a drink and the complementary tapas that follow.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
That’s a whole lot of characters to keep track of—and this is just a prelude for 2027’s Secret Wars.
—Ben Rosenstock, Time, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Pat Saperstein, Variety, 4 Jan. 2026
The 2006 holiday season was a prelude to their brief split in 2007.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 31 Dec. 2025
The Prado and Reina Sofía museums even offer free evening entry—an ideal prelude to a drink and the complementary tapas that follow.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
That’s a whole lot of characters to keep track of—and this is just a prelude for 2027’s Secret Wars.
—Ben Rosenstock, Time, 26 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude
Noun
-
After a prologue suggesting that creepy things were happening at a government lab, the pilot was mostly introducing viewers to a group of nerdy friends who would soon be joined by a mysterious telekinetic girl with short hair in Hawkins, Indiana, circa 1983.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Jan. 2026
-
The novel is divided into three parts, the first of which is an extended prologue recounting Catt’s upbringing in a small blue-collar town in Connecticut.—
Rosa Lyster,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
That introduction came after the club announced Monday that Raphael Wicky has been hired to the head coaching position on a 2 1/2-year contract.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Kansas City Star,
7 Jan. 2026
-
This week begins Malinin’s introduction to the greater sports audience, including those who tune in once a cycle.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Is it reduced to yet another fill-in-the-blank preliminary to a national title game in some super-duper-they-look-alike stadium?—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Jan. 2026
-
Two weeks after Miss Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, suffered a shocking fall during the Miss Universe preliminaries in Bangkok, the organization is offering an update on her condition.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Colbert opened his Monday night broadcast with a preface in light of Reiner’s death, as well as the shootings at Bondi Beach and Brown University.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
16 Dec. 2025
-
This excerpt includes the book’s preface and the lyrics and commentaries for six songs.—
John Darnielle,
Rolling Stone,
11 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
City are well aware Guardiola can be an emotional guy and there have been a couple of seasons during his time as their manager, with his future up in the air — the summer of 2024, especially — when making overtures to potential replacements would have been a sensible idea.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
With a foreword by Billboard Español associate editor Isabela Raygoza, the book also highlights the lasting political significance of bands like Kortatu and La Polla Records, positioning punk as a force for resistance and change in the country’s unsettled transformation.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The book of the same name brings to life Talley’s impact on global culture, with a foreword from Paula Wallace, president and founder of SCAD.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
13 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
