PRELUSIVE Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

prelusive

adjective

pri-ˈlü-siv

Definition of prelusive

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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Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelusive

Adjective

The drawing may have been made as a preparatory study to show a prospective patron before Canaletto completed a related painting.

— Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Canaletto expert Charles Beddington authenticated the drawing, which was likely a preparatory sketch for a painting last sold in 1995 for $354,000 (about $766,000 in today’s dollars).

— News Desk, Artforum, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of preparatory

Adjective

There are also plans afoot by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) called SNA3G, which are preliminary plans for an eventual replacement of the Suffren-class in the future.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Martelly’s name was among 16 listed Friday on the Provisional Electoral Council’s website as having preliminary registered to run.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of preliminary

Adjective

If interest rates are higher when that introductory period ends, your monthly payment and interest costs could rise significantly.

— Mike Winters, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
OpenAI says Dot usage will temporarily not count against eligible users' plan allowances during the introductory period, with longer-term usage terms still to come.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of introductory

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.

Browse Nearby Words

preludes

prelusive

premarital

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“Prelusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelusive. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of prelusive

adjective

Example Sentences

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