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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prelude
Perhaps as a prelude to a settlement, Salem Media just issued another apology for allowing Colorado podcaster Joe Oltmann to voice false statements about Coomer on air.
—
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 20 June 2025
That latest dot plot carried preludes to stagflation—among the most catastrophic economic scenarios.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025
DeSantis pushed to give a property-tax rebate this year to homeowners as a prelude to asking voters in 2026 to pass a constitutional amendment to reduce or eliminate property taxes.
—Jim Turner, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2025
Seen by many as a prelude to invoking the Insurrection Act, Trump’s order to put National Guard boots on the tense streets of LA came without any consultation with Newsom, the Governor has said repeatedly the past few days.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 20 June 2025
That latest dot plot carried preludes to stagflation—among the most catastrophic economic scenarios.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 June 2025
DeSantis pushed to give a property-tax rebate this year to homeowners as a prelude to asking voters in 2026 to pass a constitutional amendment to reduce or eliminate property taxes.
—Jim Turner, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2025
Seen by many as a prelude to invoking the Insurrection Act, Trump’s order to put National Guard boots on the tense streets of LA came without any consultation with Newsom, the Governor has said repeatedly the past few days.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude
Noun
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In the prologue, young Jimmy is watching Teletubbies when the infected storm his house.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
23 June 2025
-
The opening moments cement its tonal dissonance as, with a twang of Daniel Kowalski’s spare, uneasy score, a brief prologue with fire, a flailing figure and mutterings about Satan snaps to a far more banal view of an empty street lined with dim, shuttered houses under a low, gray sky.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
30 May 2025
Noun
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However, with the introduction of Supergirl and the film’s ongoing box office and critical success, what could be in store for the Superman world next?—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
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Santa Barbara Known as the American Riviera for its mild climate and popularity among the rich and famous, the seaside city of Santa Barbara needs no introduction.—
Cu Fleshman,
Travel + Leisure,
12 July 2025
Noun
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Today's listen Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The Scripps National Spelling Bee is celebrating its 100th anniversary this week, with preliminaries kicking off last night.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
28 May 2025
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Sports High School Sports News See who qualified from Thursday's preliminaries for the CIFSS Division 1 finals on Saturday at Mt. SAC.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
8 May 2025
Noun
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To preface, the woman wrote that her husband has waist-length hair.—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
26 June 2025
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While strong levels of consumer spending generally bode well for economic performance, several economists saw the March surge as the preface for a steep spring fall.—
Tobias Burns,
The Hill,
30 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The chain’s social media accounts also made overtures to Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, who President Donald Trump tapped to lead an effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
2 July 2025
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Paramount offered $15 million to Trump to end his suit, according to the Wall Street Journal, but the president rejected the overture and asked for more.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Michelle Tea’s Valencia, with a foreword by Maggie Nelson, is available now from Serpent’s Tail.—
Michelle Tea
June 18,
Literary Hub,
18 June 2025
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In between ex-Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic’s foreword and Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel’s afterword is guest commentary from Patti Smith, Simple Minds’ Jim Kerr, Van Morrison, Nile Rodgers, Nancy Sinatra and others.—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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