as in preludes
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of overtures
Hamas made some overtures to Christians, such as having senior officials publicly welcome the Christian holidays.
—
Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
After making significant overtures to the crypto sector during the campaign, highlighted by a appearance at Bitcoin 2024, the speculation and discussion related to crypto policy initiatives have also increased as the inauguration approaches.
—Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
It has been reported that free agent pitcher Walker Buehler rebuffed the Athletics’ overtures, not wanting to pitch in Sacramento.
—Dan Freedman, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
The spectacle of the Democratic mayor of New York City and one of the most divisive Republican presidents in modern American history making overtures to each other has been the talk of New York City’s political class.
—Dana Rubinstein, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Arsenal made overtures and given other interest around him, Villa regarded his acquisition a significant coup.
—Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
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
This is extremely welcome news for the Big 12 whose commissioner was making overtures about the importance of a Big 12 (and all Power 4) champion receiving a first round bye.
—Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Part of the reason surely was that Democratic nominee Kamala Harris had spurned his overtures.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
Aaron Boxerman, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2024
After making significant overtures to the crypto sector during the campaign, highlighted by a appearance at Bitcoin 2024, the speculation and discussion related to crypto policy initiatives have also increased as the inauguration approaches.
—Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
It has been reported that free agent pitcher Walker Buehler rebuffed the Athletics’ overtures, not wanting to pitch in Sacramento.
—Dan Freedman, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
The spectacle of the Democratic mayor of New York City and one of the most divisive Republican presidents in modern American history making overtures to each other has been the talk of New York City’s political class.
—Dana Rubinstein, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Arsenal made overtures and given other interest around him, Villa regarded his acquisition a significant coup.
—Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
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
This is extremely welcome news for the Big 12 whose commissioner was making overtures about the importance of a Big 12 (and all Power 4) champion receiving a first round bye.
—Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Part of the reason surely was that Democratic nominee Kamala Harris had spurned his overtures.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near overtures
Cite this Entry
“Overtures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overtures. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share