Synonyms of prelude

prelude

noun

ˈprel-ˌyüd 

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

• prologue
• preliminary
• overture
• start
• curtain-raiser
• preamble
• warm-up
• kickoff
• countdown
• lead-in
• run-up

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

• introduction
• preface
• foreword
• prologue
• intro
• beginning
• preamble
• proem
• start
• exordium
• initiation
• commencement
• prolusion
• outset
• opening
• origination
• origin

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• epilogue
• postscript
• aftermath
• end
• conclusion
• closing
• close
• finale
• stop
• termination
• cessation
• finish
• envoi

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prelude

Marvel services fans with a bevy of delightful Easter eggs, but the film works better as an extended prelude to Endgame than as its own story. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

As much as Baker tried to keep his focus on Kent, however, many kept telling him that this visit was a prelude to his induction next summer. — Jose De Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

Mass casualties of disease were the prelude to mass casualties of chaos. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026

These Space Act Agreements were intended as a prelude to a second phase of the program, which would award substantially more funding to one or two more companies to proceed into the construction and launch of their space stations. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026