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
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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
If past is a prelude, Sinner will take that break and ride it all the way to the title.
—
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
BlackLine was rumored to have been thrown a life raft in 2022, when Clearlake Capital, a private equity firm known for taking positions in select technology companies as a prelude to an acquisition offer, took a roughly 9% public position in BlackLine.
—Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2026
The Senate has come up with a plan (SB 318) that is a sensible prelude to getting the voucher program under control.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
In a prelude to parties across America the following year, the queen had invited the chairmen of state bicentennial commissions from the 13 rebellious Colonies to mark the good will that had grown between the former enemies in the intervening two centuries.
—Paul Edward Parker, The Providence Journal, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
BlackLine was rumored to have been thrown a life raft in 2022, when Clearlake Capital, a private equity firm known for taking positions in select technology companies as a prelude to an acquisition offer, took a roughly 9% public position in BlackLine.
—Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2026
The Senate has come up with a plan (SB 318) that is a sensible prelude to getting the voucher program under control.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026
In a prelude to parties across America the following year, the queen had invited the chairmen of state bicentennial commissions from the 13 rebellious Colonies to mark the good will that had grown between the former enemies in the intervening two centuries.
—Paul Edward Parker, The Providence Journal, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude
Noun
-
Both men served as a prologue of sorts.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Advertisement The show also falls prey to a few unfortunate streaming-era trends, from a penultimate flashback episode that delays the payoff of a cliffhanger by filling in backstory of questionable utility, to a scantness of plot that makes the whole short season feel like an overgrown prologue.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The introductions of Ruben Dias and Rayan Cherki bolstered City, whereas Slot was slow to take off the ineffective Cody Gakpo, with Jones still waiting to be introduced when the visitors equalised.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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But doubts surrounding Dana, Tod, Lynn, and Naveen aren’t serious (even Lynn’s ignominious introduction gets swept under the rug), and what little there is to find out is held back at the expense of the ensemble.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Lower‑demand preliminaries will likely be the most affordable, while high‑profile events—gymnastics finals, swimming finals, track and field, and the opening ceremony—will sit at the top end of the pricing spectrum.—
Paris Wilson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Jan. 2026
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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
Noun
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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
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This excerpt includes the book’s preface and the lyrics and commentaries for six songs.—
John Darnielle,
Rolling Stone,
11 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Altman resisted any trade overtures at the time.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
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Instead, at most programs, the National Anthem serves as an overture.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Rhythm & Fire also features a foreword by Roots member Questlove, along with 30 exclusive color photographs.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
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With a new foreword from Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza, Chang’s exposé historicizes the plight of today’s immigrant working women.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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