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
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Recent Examples of prelude
The final game of Ethan Wachsmann’s sophomore season was the messy prelude to complete domination.
—
Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 4 May 2026
The show, which opens to the public May 10, examines the relationship between fashion, art and the body, giving the weekend’s pre-parties their usual mix of celebrity dressing, designer visibility and red carpet prelude.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 May 2026
The California Classic, a July prelude to the more expansive Las Vegas NBA Summer League, has released a schedule that will have a version of the Heat back on the court on July 3.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Campari by Manero opened as a pop-up and serves as a prelude to the restaurant Manero, set to open in 2026.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 4 May 2026
The show, which opens to the public May 10, examines the relationship between fashion, art and the body, giving the weekend’s pre-parties their usual mix of celebrity dressing, designer visibility and red carpet prelude.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 May 2026
The California Classic, a July prelude to the more expansive Las Vegas NBA Summer League, has released a schedule that will have a version of the Heat back on the court on July 3.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Campari by Manero opened as a pop-up and serves as a prelude to the restaurant Manero, set to open in 2026.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude
Noun
-
The past was more than prologue even for the more prominent new musicals.—
Theater Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
Her rock-climbing skills also come in handy when she’s trapped in a narrow gorge, and soon after when a hairy ascent provides echoes of the prologue.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
To devotees of classic sartorial elegance—especially those who indulge that passion on Instagram—Alexander Kraft needs no introduction.—
Nick Scott,
Robb Report,
3 May 2026
-
Edith is a great choice for a read-aloud or a gentle introduction to longer stories for kids who already enjoy short chapter books.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Burke's preliminary is scheduled to begin May 26.—
Christine Pelisek,
PEOPLE,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Tickets to the mixed archery preliminary set me back $110 each, then $85 each for the mixed equestrian preliminary.—
Personal Finance Columnist,
San Francisco Chronicle,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The volume collects work from the last decade, each with a brief preface from the author, giving us a puncture of the present into her words of the past.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The preface by historian Abul Fazl frames the work as a reconciliatory project.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Even when the houselights dim mid-overture some of them still don’t shut up.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
-
For much of the past decade, Gulf states — led by Saudi Arabia — have tried to do exactly that, using diplomatic overtures and economic incentives to stabilize Iraq and draw it back into the Arab fold.—
Alaa Shahine Salha,
semafor.com,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
His former roles include FBI Special Agent and SWAT Team member; Deputy Director of the California Office of Homeland Security under Arnold Schwarzenegger, who provides a foreword in the memoir; and Chief of Homeland Security and Intelligence for the Los Angeles World Airports Police Department.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
21 Apr. 2026
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What’s a bigger flex than Kim Kardashian writing the foreword to your first book?—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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