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

The Bulldogs have road games at Penn and Columbia, then home games against Brown and Princeton, the prelude to The Game at Fenway Park. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026

And yet, in Wembanyama’s eyes — and those of his teammates — those accomplishments amount to little more than a prelude. — Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026

By her own admission, the preludes and parallels of a musical composition are woven into the very structure of the novel. — Sky Davis, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026

But that ticket surge was just a prelude for the Sixers signing LeBron James to a two-year, $8 million contract later that month. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2026