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
Relevance
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
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 prelude
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
Satan is a lover of strangeness and coincidence—of exposing the happiness of humans as a prelude to their misery, and sometimes their misery as a prelude to happiness.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
The Truist Championship, the sixth Signature Event of the PGA Tour season, is right around the corner and will serve as a prelude to the PGA Championship, the second major of the year.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
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
Satan is a lover of strangeness and coincidence—of exposing the happiness of humans as a prelude to their misery, and sometimes their misery as a prelude to happiness.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025
The Truist Championship, the sixth Signature Event of the PGA Tour season, is right around the corner and will serve as a prelude to the PGA Championship, the second major of the year.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude
Noun
-
Whether that act will be remembered as the final chapter or merely the prologue to Venezuela’s next battle remains to be seen.—
Antonio Maria Delgado,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2025
-
Past Is Prologue Past is prologue to effective negotiations.—
Matthew Phillips,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Noun
-
When her name was called out last as part of the Sky’s pregame introductions, the franchise-record crowd of 19,496 gave a roaring ovation for the player who helped bring the team its only championship, along with her more than 2,000 assists and 3,700 points.—
Ben Pickman,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
-
Transformation usually follows a clear introduction — a breakout role, a first book, a memorable performance.—
Thania Garcia,
Variety,
6 June 2025
Noun
-
And this month, he was seeded No. 1 in the Division II 50-yard freestyle at CIF and won in the preliminaries before being edged in the finals by 0.05 seconds.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 May 2025
-
As a preliminary for Roland Garros, a good run in Rome will do just fine to get the rust out of the racket.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
6 May 2025
Noun
-
The funeral of Pope Francis: Even in death, Pope Francis is breaking with tradition for his funeral and burial Prior to his hospitalization, Pope Francis wrote about death in the preface of a book on old age by Italian Cardinal Angelo Scola.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
26 Apr. 2025
-
On Tuesday, April 22, the Vatican shared a preface that Francis wrote for a book in Italian by Cardinal Angelo Scola, archbishop emeritus of Milan.—
Adam Carlson,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But his critics say such overtures ring hollow without a clear strategy.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
4 June 2025
-
According to multiple reports, Premier League team Chelsea is considering an overture for the 22-year-old.—
Henry Flynn,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Noun
-
Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic wrote the foreword, while Van Morrison, Alice Cooper, Patti Smith and others join members of the Doors’ camp in offering commentary throughout the book.—
Gary Graff,
Billboard,
14 May 2025
-
In his gorgeous first book penned by his partner Tim Johnson with a glowing foreword by Martha Stewart, readers get to revel in the thoughtful beauty of Fernando’s gardens.—
Blue Carreon,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share