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
-
Epstein made similar overtures to Hollywood titans.—
Chris Quintana,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
-
The winds have been blowing in the direction of the Jets tagging Hall since the trade deadline, when general manager Darren Mougey resisted overtures from other teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, who, per ESPN, offered a fourth-round pick.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
New York Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The service there is incredibly attentive, and getting shoulder-to-shoulder with the Boise crowd over some delicious ‘za and a good book has led to a few new introductions already.—
Hali Smith,
Idaho Statesman,
19 Feb. 2026
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In an effort to do that, the book highlights a range of recipes and introductions from some of the contemporary voices in Black culinary leadership today.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Switzerland crushed Germany in the men’s curling preliminaries, keeping a consistent lead before ending the game with a score of 8-4.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
17 Feb. 2026
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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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Cite this Entry
“Preludes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preludes. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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