prelude

noun

ˈprel-ˌyüd How to pronounce prelude (audio)
Definition of preludenext
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

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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

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 By her own admission, the preludes and parallels of a musical composition are woven into the very structure of the novel. — Sky Davis, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026 But that ticket surge was just a prelude for the Sixers signing LeBron James to a two-year, $8 million contract later that month. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2026 The beginning of Between Worlds functions as a kind of prelude, offering a straightforward primer on Said. — Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026 People may be wondering if the nor’easter flooding is a prelude for what to expect as a strong El Niño continues to build this winter and as sea level rises in the future. — Brian Tang, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prelude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prelude
  1. prologue
  2. introduction
  3. preliminary
  4. preface
  5. overture
  6. foreword
Noun
  • Mazzoli’s score has its moments of playfulness, starting with the prologue in which the chorus members blow into kazoos.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Proceedings kicked off Saturday with MipJunior, the kids & family prolog to Mipcom proper.
    — John Hopewell, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of prologue
Noun
  • WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Northen California hosts my introduction to the 2027 Bentley Supersports.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2026
  • With the right industry executives and commercial introductions, sports can become an additional growth engine rather than the company’s original identity.
    — Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of introduction
Noun
  • This year’s Miss World competition recently made headlines during the preliminaries when Ugandan delegate Elle Muhoza made a powerful fashion statement.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But all of that was just the preliminaries for Grady Emerson.
    — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
Definition of preliminary
Noun
  • The book, published by Phaidon, features a preface by Andrea Gaudenzi, chairman of the ATP, a foreword by former player Rod Laver and text by tennis writer Mark Hodgkinson.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Li offers hints of how Field and Adelaide’s destiny came to pass, with a preface and short flash-forward scenes that striate the narrative.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of preface
Noun
  • His music put melody and relatability ahead of acrobatics, and his overtures still had swagger.
    — Clover Hope, Pitchfork, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The protests came ahead of next month’s snap election as Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s Socialist Party criticized the conservative opposition Popular Party for making overtures about privatizing public pensions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of overture
Noun
  • The book, published by Phaidon, features a preface by Andrea Gaudenzi, chairman of the ATP, a foreword by former player Rod Laver and text by tennis writer Mark Hodgkinson.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Sonny Rollins, who died the month before the volume came out, and Kurt Elling contribute forewords and afterwords.
    — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of foreword

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prelude
preludes
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Cite this Entry

“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on prelude

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prelude

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