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

That has led to speculation that bringing Sycamore’s specialty retail businesses together is a prelude to a potential sale of the group to another private equity firm, retail company or through an IPO. — David Moin, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Saturday night, there will be a poolside prelude tasting event for VIPs, and Sunday is the big festival that allows patrons a chance to sample all of the vineyard's wines while enjoying local food and live music. — Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Zach Benson’s playoff performance looked like a prelude to a breakout. — Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

In 1996, when the first three novels were reprinted again, Kennedy appended a prelude that reads like an account of the cycle’s evolution—except that the author of these books is identified as Billy Phelan’s nephew Daniel Quinn. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026