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
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Recent Examples of prelude
The night before, a light show featuring 1,500 drones filled the sky over the Hudson River as a prelude to the finale, an advertisement befitting the event’s glitzy marketing campaign.
—
Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Without prelude, Eva Longoria suddenly popped up in the second episode of this spring’s fourth season of FX’s Welcome to Wrexham, cheering alongside Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny (now Rob Mac) in the crowd at the Racecourse.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025
North Korean arms have also been found in the hands of the Palestinian Hamas movement, including during its October 2023 assault that sparked the still-ongoing war in Gaza and served as the prelude to Iran and Israel's direct conflict.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
And, just by wild coincidence, the stunt came right as the administration barreled ahead with the bombing of Iran, a destabilizing and politically unpopular action that for many Americans recalled the preludes to other catastrophic wars the U.S. has initiated in the Middle East.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Miami Herald, 14 July 2025
Without prelude, Eva Longoria suddenly popped up in the second episode of this spring’s fourth season of FX’s Welcome to Wrexham, cheering alongside Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny (now Rob Mac) in the crowd at the Racecourse.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2025
North Korean arms have also been found in the hands of the Palestinian Hamas movement, including during its October 2023 assault that sparked the still-ongoing war in Gaza and served as the prelude to Iran and Israel's direct conflict.
—Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
And, just by wild coincidence, the stunt came right as the administration barreled ahead with the bombing of Iran, a destabilizing and politically unpopular action that for many Americans recalled the preludes to other catastrophic wars the U.S. has initiated in the Middle East.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude
Noun
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If the past is prologue, then America’s 250th anniversary will be reduced to a celebration of a fictional national history propagandized by Trump to support his political ideology.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
17 Aug. 2025
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The release will include a new prologue, Reuniting the Revolution, that features interviews with the cast and creators from the show.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The release also features the brand's most robust accessories offerings with its Suede Monogram Program, featuring the introduction of signature carryall bags in new sizes, crossbodies, and small leather goods such as belts and cardholders made of premium Kith Monogram debossed cowhide suede.—
Roxanne Robinson,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
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The 2025 legislative session saw the introduction of a number of new tax policies that lower these for primary residences, while increasing rates for high-value properties and out-of-state owners.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
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That’s a far cry from the 2023 election cycle, which didn’t include a preliminary for the City Council-at-Large race, due to there being only eight candidates.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
5 May 2025
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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
Noun
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This rosé is all about coastal herbs, grapefruit pith, white peach and sea spray, Landa prefaces.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
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In his preface to a new edition published in 1983, de Groot responded to readers who’d travelled to the valley and complained to the publisher that the auberge and its cooking were shockingly unlike the book’s descriptions.—
John Birdsall,
New Yorker,
25 July 2025
Noun
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The Trump administration has made overtures toward aggressive gerrymandering across the country in recent days in an attempt to shift more seats in Congress to Republicans ahead of a consequential midterm election season.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
10 Aug. 2025
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His administration made overtures to the Kremlin, voicing support for key Russian demands of Ukraine.—
Charles Maynes,
NPR,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The anthology, edited by Christopher Golden and Brian Keene, features an introduction by King, 77, and a foreword by Golden.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
9 Aug. 2025
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With a foreword by Montreux CEO Mathieu Jaton and text by Arnaud Robert, this retrospective offers an immersive look at one of the world’s most influential music festivals.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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