Definition of prelusivenext
as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows after a prelusive dimming of the house lights intended to induce quiet, the stage curtain rose

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelusive
Adjective
  • The push for college-for-all that gained momentum through the 1990s and 2000s reframed high school as a four-year college preparatory exercise.
    Gerald Bradshaw, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2026
  • After studying his own practice, Licklider determined that as much as 85% of his intellectual work — such as searching for data, running calculations, testing conclusions, and synthesizing information — was fundamentally preparatory for deeper, more creative efforts.
    Big Think, Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • According to preliminary information, Shah Alam did not have shoes on, just orange booties from the detention center, when he was dropped off by agents, Ryan said.
    Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Property owner Carol Lazier submitted a preliminary development application for Seaside Ridge, which includes 42 lower-income units and 43 moderate-income units, in October 2022.
    Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Acquario Pizza’s introductory menu offers a choice of 10 pizzas with toppings such as soppressata, prosciutto cotto, Calabrian chili peppers and cup-and-char pepperoni.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Critics were given only two of the nine episodes from the first season for review, and these introductory episodes include everything from venus fly-traps and a human meat grinder to a serial killer with botched calf implants.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 Mar. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Prelusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelusive. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

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