Thesaurus results for CURTAIN-RAISER

curtain-raiser

noun

ˈkər-tᵊn-ˌrā-zər

Definition of curtain-raiser

as in prelude

a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event the opening of the performing arts center proved to be a curtain-raiser for the rebirth of the city's downtown

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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 curtain-raiser Unlike its counterparts in Europe, the Challenge Cup is still searching for a clear purpose beyond serving as a curtain-raiser between the league champion and Shield winner. — Asli Pelit, New York Times, 27 June 2026 After epic curtain-raisers in 1970 and 1986, this year’s inaugural match will feature a resurgent Mexico against a youthful South Africa team. — Jonathan Thompson, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026 Here’s a curtain-raiser on SXSW Music 2026, which runs from March 12-16 — with all of the different sub-festivals running concurrently, for the first time in the Austin gathering’s four-decade history. — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Mar. 2026 Only New Zealand comes in with a lower world ranking, and Les Grenadiers’ group features matchups with 2022 semifinalist Morocco and legendary Brazil (plus Scotland, whom Haiti will face in Foxboro’s World Cup curtain-raiser on June 13). — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for curtain-raiser

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curtain-raiser

Noun

Analysts widely believe Monday’s announcement is a prelude to eventual sales of both Comcast and NBCUniversal, a theory that Comcast rejects.

— Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
The current ceasefire is likely a prelude to the next round of war.

— Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of prelude

Noun

The meet continues Thursday, a day consisting largely of women’s preliminaries, followed by men’s finals Friday and women’s finals Saturday.

— Mike Wilson, New York Times, 11 June 2026
Hernandez, now a Southern Section champion again, along with all the other winners will move onto the CIF preliminaries next Saturday to face the rest of the state's top female jumpers, with a chance to get back to the state finals.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026

Definition of preliminary

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curtain (off)

curtain-raiser

curtain-raisers

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Style

“Curtain-raiser.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtain-raiser. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of curtain-raiser

noun

Example Sentences

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