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
An original amuse bouche of edible Yame tea, Yamanaka’s personalized version of a Japanese tea ceremony, is a prelude to an unforgettable dinner course at Viridis.
—
Terry Elward, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
From this prelude, the viewer knows to take a deep breath and buckle up.
—Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 23 May 2025
The horse race is for 3-year-old fillies on Friday, a prelude to the Preakness.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025
The event will serve as a prelude to the main iHeartCountry Festival show later that evening at 7 p.m. the Moody Center.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Terry Elward, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
From this prelude, the viewer knows to take a deep breath and buckle up.
—Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 23 May 2025
The horse race is for 3-year-old fillies on Friday, a prelude to the Preakness.
—Sam Cohn, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2025
The event will serve as a prelude to the main iHeartCountry Festival show later that evening at 7 p.m. the Moody Center.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude
Noun
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She’s fished out of the ocean and revealed gasping for breath in a brief prologue.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
2 July 2025
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Following a prologue describing the episode by the sea, Choi brings us back to Serk’s childhood — only here he’s called Hiroshi, born in Japan to Korean parents.—
Sam Worley,
Vulture,
2 June 2025
Noun
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Spartacus: House of Ashur dropped its first trailer during Saturday's Comic-Con panel, showing off Nick E. Tarabay's return as Ashur and the introduction of the first female gladiator.—
Nick Romano,
EW.com,
27 July 2025
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The Walking Dead really was a global phenomenon for a while, its peak being back in 2014 with the introduction of Negan, albeit his brutality began a sharp fall-of shortly after.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
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Today's listen Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The Scripps National Spelling Bee is celebrating its 100th anniversary this week, with preliminaries kicking off last night.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
28 May 2025
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Sports High School Sports News See who qualified from Thursday's preliminaries for the CIFSS Division 1 finals on Saturday at Mt. SAC.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
8 May 2025
Noun
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In a preface to the White House’s proposed draconian downsizing of the American space agency, its acting administrator, Janet Petro, concedes that NASA will be forced to cut away at its ranks of illustrious scientists.—
Kevin Holden Platt,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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To preface, the woman wrote that her husband has waist-length hair.—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
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Musk does not appear to be backing down from dredging up the Epstein issue on X, despite Trump’s overture.—
Siladitya Ray,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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Iran's response to both the military strikes and diplomatic overtures remains uncertain, as tensions in the region continue to simmer.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 July 2025
Noun
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The foreword invites readers to Sandy June’s Legendary Frybread Drive-In, a gathering spot that appears across the North American continent (possibly breaking the laws of space-time?) to let regulars and newcomers from every tribal Nation come together for good food, good company, and good stories.—
Caroline Carlson
August 1,
Literary Hub,
1 Aug. 2025
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Findley’s debut book, The World Is Waiting For You (HarperOne), with a foreword by Academy Award-winner Viola Davis, will be available nationwide September 9th.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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