as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
the parade down Main Street served as the overture for a weekend of fun and festivities
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Recent Examples of overture
What To Know Officials from Sudan have already rejected U.S. overtures regarding Palestinian resettlement.
—
Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Alijah Arenas, destined for greatness in the basketball world, enrolled at Chatsworth High as a freshman, turning down overtures from top private schools seeking to generate exposure for luring the son of a former NBA player with a high ceiling and immediate star quality.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
Trump's overtures were panned by Carney on Sunday in his first speech after winning the leadership of the governing Labor Party.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
Putin’s regime has welcomed the overtures from Trump.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overture
Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Alijah Arenas, destined for greatness in the basketball world, enrolled at Chatsworth High as a freshman, turning down overtures from top private schools seeking to generate exposure for luring the son of a former NBA player with a high ceiling and immediate star quality.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
Trump's overtures were panned by Carney on Sunday in his first speech after winning the leadership of the governing Labor Party.
—Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025
Putin’s regime has welcomed the overtures from Trump.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC News, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overture
Cite this Entry
“Overture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overture. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
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