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 three-game set will act as a prelude to a rematch with the 49ers on the road come Nov. 17.
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Vincent Frank, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
The Trinity test at White Sands was a prelude to the atomic attacks the following month on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan that ended World War II.
—Kerry J. Byrne Fox News, Fox News, 13 Sep. 2024
Currents tried to provide asylum for mourning that was not a prelude to vengeance.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024
As a somewhat unusual prelude to the typical recording process, Spencer invited me to experience Hyperia, a notorious ride at Thorpe Park and the UK’s highest and fastest rollercoaster.
—Caroline Casey, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prelude 
Vincent Frank, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
The Trinity test at White Sands was a prelude to the atomic attacks the following month on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan that ended World War II.
—Kerry J. Byrne Fox News, Fox News, 13 Sep. 2024
Currents tried to provide asylum for mourning that was not a prelude to vengeance.
—Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024
As a somewhat unusual prelude to the typical recording process, Spencer invited me to experience Hyperia, a notorious ride at Thorpe Park and the UK’s highest and fastest rollercoaster.
—Caroline Casey, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prelude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude
Noun
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In a transfixing performance, Lily-Rose Depp plays Ellen, introduced in an early 19th century prologue as an emotionally isolated teenager at a low point in her young life.David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Dec. 2024
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In the prologue, Elphaba overhears a conversation between the Lion, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and Dorothy exchanging transvestigator-leaning hearsay about the witch.James Factora, Them, 25 Nov. 2024
Noun
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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
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There was a head-spinning number of perfume introductions around the globe this year.Jennifer Weil, WWD, 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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Arsenal made overtures and given other interest around him, Villa regarded his acquisition a significant coup.Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
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The former Syrian ruler had rejoined the Arab League last year and made overtures to Gulf Arab neighbors to gain support for reconstruction, which would then have allowed for return of Syrian refugees.Lauren Frayer, NPR, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The collection also comes with a coffee-table sized book of liner notes by Vivien Goldman, a foreword by Elton John and remembrances from Calello, Jackson Browne, Clive Davis, Lou Adler, John Sebastian and others.Gary Graff, Billboard, 9 Dec. 2024
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Her whole foreword centered on kinship and that was so meaningful to me.Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near prelude
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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