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
Shortly after Saban pivoted and offered a full scholarship, Texas A&M extended a similar overture.
—
Michael Silver, New York Times, 20 May 2025
An overture can be both romantic and wrong at the same time.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 10 May 2025
America Great Again movement, more seasoned politically-minded people and groups will be hesitant to take these overtures seriously.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Its Commerce Ministry said Beijing is evaluating overtures from the U.S. regarding the levies.
—Damian J. Troise and Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for overture
Michael Silver, New York Times, 20 May 2025
An overture can be both romantic and wrong at the same time.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 10 May 2025
America Great Again movement, more seasoned politically-minded people and groups will be hesitant to take these overtures seriously.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Its Commerce Ministry said Beijing is evaluating overtures from the U.S. regarding the levies.
—Damian J. Troise and Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for overture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overture
prelude
Noun
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Her administration sent Triple Five a March 6 letter demanding the $5 million payment, communication that was the prelude to the lawsuit.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2025
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The moment serves as a prelude for an episode almost entirely devoted to Joel’s time as Ellie’s adoptive father in the years between their arrival in Jackson and his death.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
19 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Overture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overture. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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