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
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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
Trump's re-labeling was a prelude to a weeks-long air campaign against the Houthis, with U.S. strikes hitting the militia's military infrastructure nearly every day since mid-March.
—
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
That was mere prelude to his most consequential investigation – identifying the Russian officials behind the near-fatal poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2020.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2025
Is this the peak of the cloud security hype cycle, or a prelude to a market reckoning?
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Image Lacking indoor plumbing, the family basked in this sauna as a prelude to bathing in the cold lake.
—Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
That was mere prelude to his most consequential investigation – identifying the Russian officials behind the near-fatal poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2020.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2025
Is this the peak of the cloud security hype cycle, or a prelude to a market reckoning?
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Image Lacking indoor plumbing, the family basked in this sauna as a prelude to bathing in the cold lake.
—Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude
Noun
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In just 14 pages, the prologue represents everything AIs can’t do yet in writing.—
Kelsey Piper,
Vox,
12 May 2025
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The prologue to the course features BBC Maestro Chief Executive Michael Levine and Christie’s great-grandson James Prichard, chairman and CEO of Agatha Christie Ltd., explaining the care put into the series.—
Mary McNamara,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2025
Noun
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Silverman added that Cohen offered to introduce Silverman to Anderson, but when the introduction happened, Anderson allegedly balked at a friendly greeting.—
Tommy McArdle,
People.com,
15 May 2025
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Once that guidance or those introductions are made, take the next steps that are needed, such as scheduling mentoring and pitch deck review sessions, and following up with an industry introduction.—
Karen Cashion,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Noun
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Early preliminaries will air on ESPN+, Disney+, and UFC Fight Pass starting at 6 p.m. ET.—
Jim Varsallone,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2025
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Late preliminaries available on ESPN+, ESPN, Disney+, and ESPN Deportes at 8 p.m. ET.—
Jim Varsallone,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The funeral of Pope Francis: Even in death, Pope Francis is breaking with tradition for his funeral and burial Prior to his hospitalization, Pope Francis wrote about death in the preface of a book on old age by Italian Cardinal Angelo Scola.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
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On Tuesday, April 22, the Vatican shared a preface that Francis wrote for a book in Italian by Cardinal Angelo Scola, archbishop emeritus of Milan.—
Adam Carlson,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
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America Great Again movement, more seasoned politically-minded people and groups will be hesitant to take these overtures seriously.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
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Its Commerce Ministry said Beijing is evaluating overtures from the U.S. regarding the levies.—
Damian J. Troise and Alex Veiga,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Noun
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In his gorgeous first book penned by his partner Tim Johnson with a glowing foreword by Martha Stewart, readers get to revel in the thoughtful beauty of Fernando’s gardens.—
Blue Carreon,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
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Looking back at his book, Feeling Seen, with a foreword written by former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enningful, was another intentional reflection of his work.—
Kerane Marcellus,
Essence,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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