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
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The special committee established by the Paramount board to evaluate M&A overtures rejected Project Rise’s proposal, saying the go-shop window for considering competing bids had closed.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
18 Mar. 2025 -
With Iran resisting Washington's diplomatic overtures and accelerating its nuclear program, the prospects of a confrontation grow.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Rolex doesn’t have to do much to dominate coverage of any show of luxury watch introductions – one little tweak of an iconic case design is usually enough to break the internet.—
Carol Besler,
Forbes.com,
12 Apr. 2025
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Pronouns have also been used to add helpful context for virtual introductions, given that names are not always clear indicators of a person's gender.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Our skyline is also the backdrop of one of the most iconic TV intros.—
Tasha Tsiaperas,
Axios,
29 Jan. 2025
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Several long pauses and awkward intros have seemingly interrupted the flow of this year's ceremony.—
Daniel Arkin,
NBC News,
6 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Preludes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preludes. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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