1
as in prologues
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 prefaces
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preludes
Noun
-
This rosé is all about coastal herbs, grapefruit pith, white peach and sea spray, Landa prefaces.—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
4 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
If diplomatic overtures and negotiations do not persuade allies to adopt the same levels of restrictions proposed in the MATCH Act, the bill would direct the Commerce Department to invoke regulatory authorities that would force allies to cut off exports to China.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Shortly before launching his solo career in 1972, Thompson politely declined Don Henley and Glenn Frey’s overtures to join what soon became the Eagles.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Staley and Auriemma shook hands earlier in the pregame, but not after the introductions.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
5 Apr. 2026
-
That was before pregame introductions, and neither coach walked to halfcourt to shake hands again after lineups were announced.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The hockey playoffs weren’t affected by the storm and are expected to start on March 2 with Division II preliminaries.—
Jacob Rousseau,
The Providence Journal,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Switzerland crushed Germany in the men’s curling preliminaries, keeping a consistent lead before ending the game with a score of 8-4.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
17 Feb. 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Preludes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preludes. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
