1
as in prologues
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
Relevance
2
as in prefaces
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preludes
Noun
-
This rosé is all about coastal herbs, grapefruit pith, white peach and sea spray, Landa prefaces.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Altman resisted any trade overtures at the time.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Orrick, who did not acknowledge the city’s overtures, appeared more interested in what Lee had to say.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Cubs eschewed individual introductions during the opening ceremonies, bringing everyone from the 2016 club out together for reasons that made no sense.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
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One hour before the start of the event, visitors get a preview of the competition, see the pit crews, listen to driver interviews and get driver and truck introductions.—
Abby Hamblin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Lower‑demand preliminaries will likely be the most affordable, while high‑profile events—gymnastics finals, swimming finals, track and field, and the opening ceremony—will sit at the top end of the pricing spectrum.—
Paris Wilson,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Jan. 2026
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The contestant from Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, took a scary tumble during the evening gown round at Wednesday’s preliminaries and was carried away in a stretcher, according to social media videos which circulated of her fall.—
Lex Harvey,
CNN Money,
21 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Preludes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preludes. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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