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
-
However, Havana has rejected past overtures — including Washington’s recent offer of $100 million in aid — while the regime has vowed to hold on to power despite rising domestic and foreign pressures.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
15 May 2026
-
West has been making overtures to the Jewish community in recent months.—
Shirley Halperin,
Rolling Stone,
14 May 2026
Noun
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There are hints about succession and cults of personality, conversations which raise questions as to whether Moulin is fit to lead, but these are seldom broached beyond their introductions.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
17 May 2026
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It is believed the two individuals did not have links to each other, suggesting at least two introductions of the virus into Uganda.—
Andrew Joseph,
STAT,
17 May 2026
Noun
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Hernandez, now a Southern Section champion again, along with all the other winners will move onto the CIF preliminaries next Saturday to face the rest of the state's top female jumpers, with a chance to get back to the state finals.—
Jackson Thompson OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
17 May 2026
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Tennyson never made it to the Southern Section track preliminaries after winning the league title.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Preludes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preludes. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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