as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
the parade down Main Street served as the overture for a weekend of fun and festivities
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Recent Examples of overture
The chain’s social media accounts also made overtures to Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, who President Donald Trump tapped to lead an effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending.
—
Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Paramount offered $15 million to Trump to end his suit, according to the Wall Street Journal, but the president rejected the overture and asked for more.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Throughout his decades in government, Mr. Netanyahu has long been skeptical of diplomatic overtures to Tehran.
—Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 28 May 2025
The revelation has prompted outrage in Colombia and concern abroad, especially given the apparent overtures to foreign politicians and the suggestion that criminal networks could play a role in the country’s leadership transition.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overture
Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 2 July 2025
Paramount offered $15 million to Trump to end his suit, according to the Wall Street Journal, but the president rejected the overture and asked for more.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Throughout his decades in government, Mr. Netanyahu has long been skeptical of diplomatic overtures to Tehran.
—Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 28 May 2025
The revelation has prompted outrage in Colombia and concern abroad, especially given the apparent overtures to foreign politicians and the suggestion that criminal networks could play a role in the country’s leadership transition.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for overture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overture
prelude
Noun
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While the most intense heat will center on Virginia and the Carolinas Thursday, temperatures will also climb across parts of the Northeast and central US in a prelude to next week’s more expansive and intense heat dome.—
Tyler Ory,
CNN Money,
18 June 2025
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An original amuse bouche of edible Yame tea, Yamanaka’s personalized version of a Japanese tea ceremony, is a prelude to an unforgettable dinner course at Viridis.—
Terry Elward,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overture. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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