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

Relevance
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 There was a Tom Cruise prelude, and then a halftime show that stretched a typically 15-minute interval past 27 minutes. — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026 These Space Act Agreements were intended as a prelude to a second phase of the program, which would award substantially more funding to one or two more companies to proceed into the construction and launch of their space stations. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026 The current ceasefire is likely a prelude to the next round of war. — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The windows serve as a prelude to a much larger spatial takeover, as Duggal prepares to deploy massive fan experiences, stadium environments, and retail destinations across North America for the tournament, stretching across North America. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 23 June 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
  • Maybe that’s because Scott is trying to differentiate the narrative style of the prologue from Tracy’s chapter.
    — Keziah Weir, Vanity Fair, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Crosland’s interpretation begins with a prologue showing the origin of Don Juan’s romantic cynicism, followed by an epic tale of lust, love, and deceit.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of prologue
Noun
  • While Brentford look to be edging closer to the finished article under Keith Andrews, Roberto De Zerbi is still stuck on his introduction.
    — Elias Burke, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • That probably was because of the introduction of a lower tax rate on qualified dividends.
    — Bob Carlson, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of introduction
Noun
  • But all of that was just the preliminaries for Grady Emerson.
    — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of preliminary
Noun
  • What could have been a throwaway nibble instead becomes a thought-through, gripping preface that sets up what’s to come.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • In the preface of her new book, MJ Corey offers a note of apology for pouring so much energy into analyzing a family that’s famously famous for being famous, and for little else, said Megan Garber in The Atlantic.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 10 June 2026
Definition of preface
Noun
  • Trump has alternated between threats and diplomatic overtures to get the job done, but the war is now approaching six months with no end in sight.
    — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The letter’s contents were confirmed to Deadline by multiple people with knowledge of Anson’s overture.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of overture
Noun
  • The 365-page book, which includes a foreword from author and presidential historian Douglas Brinkley, is written in both prose and poem form.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Karim Lakhani wrote the foreword to Microsoft's 2026 Work Trend Index.
    — Brandon Metcalf, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of foreword

Browse Nearby Words

preliminary
prelude
preludes
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prelude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prelude. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on prelude

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prelude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of devolve

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All