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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prelude
Some experts see in Mr. Trump’s approach a potential negotiating tactic aimed at forcing trading partners to lower their own tariffs, rather than a prelude to the United States lifting its own.
—
Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
The spring ingredients were the prelude to sunnier days to come.
—Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 26 Feb. 2025
The evening, which served as a prelude to Saturday’s main event, recognized behind-the-scenes brilliance and breakout performances, setting the stage for a weekend of celebration.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 23 Feb. 2025
The tournament kicks off the PGA Tour's East Coast swing and serves as a prelude to the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
The spring ingredients were the prelude to sunnier days to come.
—Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 26 Feb. 2025
The evening, which served as a prelude to Saturday’s main event, recognized behind-the-scenes brilliance and breakout performances, setting the stage for a weekend of celebration.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 23 Feb. 2025
The tournament kicks off the PGA Tour's East Coast swing and serves as a prelude to the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prelude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude
Noun
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If the past is prologue, real wages rose over $6,000 during Trump's first term while falling some $2,000 under Biden's.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
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If past is prologue, some clues about how Trump might approach this routine task of the presidency may be found in Trump's State of the Union address from 2020.—
Tamara Keith,
NPR,
2 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
From their introduction in the 1800s to their peak in the mid-20th century, these majestic vessels embodied innovation, luxury, and national pride.—
David Nikel,
Forbes,
16 Mar. 2025
-
Thankfully, the film dials up its energy (only briefly) with the introduction of Paz (a truly captivating Arta Gee), the non-binary manager of the couple’s vacation rental.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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During the preliminaries on Feb. 28, the Red Devils broke the national record in the 200 medley relay, as Bey teamed with sophomore Luke Vatev, senior Henry Guo and junior Matthew Vatev to time 1 minute, 26.75 seconds.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
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And just by being around his Team Canada teammates, Crosby is doing what Iginla and others did for him back in 2010, when Canada lost to the U.S. in the preliminaries and beat it in the gold medal game.—
Arpon Basu,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The preface begins at 6 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 7:30.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
27 Jan. 2025
-
Inception Startups Program at Nvidia Israel, in his preface to the SNC report.—
Gil Press,
Forbes,
22 Dec. 2024
Noun
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What To Know Officials from Sudan have already rejected U.S. overtures regarding Palestinian resettlement.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
-
Alijah Arenas, destined for greatness in the basketball world, enrolled at Chatsworth High as a freshman, turning down overtures from top private schools seeking to generate exposure for luring the son of a former NBA player with a high ceiling and immediate star quality.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Walker Percy, who helped get the book published after the author killed himself, wrote the foreword.—
The New Yorker,
The New Yorker,
26 Feb. 2025
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There’s star power in the book — Gwyneth Paltrow penned the foreword.—
Kate Bradshaw,
The Mercury News,
24 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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