CURTAIN-RAISERS Synonyms: 12 Similar Words

curtain-raisers

noun

plural of curtain-raiser

as in preludes

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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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-raisers 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curtain-raisers

Noun

But the issue Americans should be concerned with here really isn’t FIFA, which has entertained other similar overtures before, but rather its own sporting reputation.

— Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Several teams over the years have made overtures for Kessler in potential trade talks, talks the Jazz had rebuffed.

— Tony Jones, New York Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of overtures

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 preliminaries

Browse Nearby Words

curtain-raiser

curtain-raisers

curtains

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

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Synonyms of curtain-raisers

noun

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