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
Its Commerce Ministry said Beijing is evaluating overtures from the U.S. regarding the levies.
—
Damian J. Troise and Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
The Vatican made unusual overtures to the Chinese capital under Francis and had a muted response to human rights abuses against Chinese Catholics by the ruling Communist Party.
—Sophie Hills, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Apr. 2025
Even stalwart Trump allies have voiced hostility toward the administration’s diplomatic overtures.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 21 Apr. 2025
The country is undoubtedly seeking to deepen its trade ties with other partners and has been making overtures in recent weeks, with leaders even meeting with officials from Korea and Japan for the first time in five years in the interest of strengthening collaboration.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overture
Damian J. Troise and Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
The Vatican made unusual overtures to the Chinese capital under Francis and had a muted response to human rights abuses against Chinese Catholics by the ruling Communist Party.
—Sophie Hills, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Apr. 2025
Even stalwart Trump allies have voiced hostility toward the administration’s diplomatic overtures.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 21 Apr. 2025
The country is undoubtedly seeking to deepen its trade ties with other partners and has been making overtures in recent weeks, with leaders even meeting with officials from Korea and Japan for the first time in five years in the interest of strengthening collaboration.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for overture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overture
prelude
Noun
-
Her administration sent Triple Five a March 6 letter demanding the $5 million payment, communication that was the prelude to the lawsuit.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2025
-
The moment serves as a prelude for an episode almost entirely devoted to Joel’s time as Ellie’s adoptive father in the years between their arrival in Jackson and his death.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overture. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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