PRELUDE Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

prelude

noun

ˈprel-ˌyüd

Definition of prelude

as in prologue

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

as in introduction

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

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.

Recent Examples of prelude Mass casualties of disease were the prelude to mass casualties of chaos. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 25 July 2026 There was a Tom Cruise prelude, and then a halftime show that stretched a typically 15-minute interval past 27 minutes. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026 These Space Act Agreements were intended as a prelude to a second phase of the program, which would award substantially more funding to one or two more companies to proceed into the construction and launch of their space stations. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026 The windows serve as a prelude to a much larger spatial takeover, as Duggal prepares to deploy massive fan experiences, stadium environments, and retail destinations across North America for the tournament, stretching across North America. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prelude

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude

Noun

However, CyberLeek seems to have retaliated by leaking footage showing the apparent prologue of the game.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026
Maybe that’s because Scott is trying to differentiate the narrative style of the prologue from Tracy’s chapter.

— Keziah Weir, Vanity Fair, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of prologue

Noun

Within the same country, a city break can mean seafood and island hopping, a cross-border weekend, centuries of university history or an introduction to life in the Arctic.

— David Nikel, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
This was my introduction, on a hot Tuesday afternoon, to Shimamoto’s peerless ramen.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of introduction

Noun

What could have been a throwaway nibble instead becomes a thought-through, gripping preface that sets up what’s to come.

— Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
In the preface of her new book, MJ Corey offers a note of apology for pouring so much energy into analyzing a family that’s famously famous for being famous, and for little else, said Megan Garber in The Atlantic.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 10 June 2026

Definition of preface

Noun

The United States had been looking for an interlocutor with Cuba and made overtures with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, grandson of former Cuban president Raúl Castro, according to an exclusive USA TODAY interview in July.

— Rick Jervis, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
In Blair’s case, Franco’s overture in 2017 led to both friendship and eventual collaboration.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of overture

Noun

The new edition includes previously unseen archival photographs, a new introduction, a personal eulogy for late Smiths bassist Andy Rourke and a foreword from Oasis’ Noel Gallagher.

— SPIN Staff, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026
The book features previously-unseen archival photography, a new introduction, a personal eulogy for Johnny’s friend and the Smiths’ bassist Andy Rourke, and a foreword by Noel Gallagher.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of foreword

Browse Nearby Words

preliminary

prelude

preludes

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prelude

noun

Example Sentences

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