1
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
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2
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
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Recent Examples of prelude
This served as a musical prelude to the parade's spectacular finale—the appearance of Santa Claus.
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Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Autumn can have two faces, and even its late November starkness can immerse us in peaceful reflection, one that’s more renewing than what a prelude to winter should be.
—Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 22 Nov. 2024
The absence of any significant, widespread problems has not stopped Trump, the Republican nominee, or the RNC, which is now under his sway, from making numerous claims of fraud or election interference during the early voting period, a possible prelude to challenges after Election Day.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
But the devastation of 2017 was only a prelude to an even graver year.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prelude 
Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024
Autumn can have two faces, and even its late November starkness can immerse us in peaceful reflection, one that’s more renewing than what a prelude to winter should be.
—Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 22 Nov. 2024
The absence of any significant, widespread problems has not stopped Trump, the Republican nominee, or the RNC, which is now under his sway, from making numerous claims of fraud or election interference during the early voting period, a possible prelude to challenges after Election Day.
—Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024
But the devastation of 2017 was only a prelude to an even graver year.
—Calmatters, The Mercury News, 4 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prelude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude
Noun
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The script, co-written by Ross and producer Joslyn Barnes, scraps Whitehead’s opening prologue about the wretched cemetery to instead emphasize that this will be a bittersweet celebration of life.Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
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The audience at the King’s Company production of Othello on December 8, 1660, heard an unusual prologue before the play began.Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Dec. 2024
Noun
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There was a head-spinning number of perfume introductions around the globe this year.Jennifer Weil, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
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The Animal Humane Society says that the best introductions are done outdoors, in a neutral space so neither dog is overwhelmed.Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The Southern Section held its track and field preliminaries at four sites around Southern California on Saturday, and sophomore Brian Bonner of Valencia High continued his rise to prominence.Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
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In 1988: Greg Louganis won the gold medal in the 3-meter springboard at the Seoul Olympics one day after hitting his head on the diving board during the preliminaries.Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 21 Sep. 2024
Noun
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Read below for an exclusive excerpt from the preface of Inheriting Magic.Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
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The muses promised fame and fortune to artists who followed them, but are rarely mentioned by name in the prologues and prefaces of artworks today.Alison Habens, JSTOR Daily, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Hamas made some overtures to Christians, such as having senior officials publicly welcome the Christian holidays.Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
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The mayor, who has voiced support for stricter enforcement against undocumented immigrants accused of crimes, has drawn ire from Democratic leaders for his overtures to Trump.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
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That was Bankruptcy Judge Steven Rhodes — who wrote the foreword to Rosen's book.JC Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 3 Dec. 2024
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After designing interiors for Michelle Obama and Shonda Rhimes—the latter wrote the foreword to this book—he was appointed by President Obama to serve on the Committee for the Preservation of the White House in 2010.Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near prelude
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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