prelude | Definition of prelude

Synonyms and Antonyms of prelude

1 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 of prelude

curtain-raiser, overture, preamble, preliminary, prologue (also prolog), warm-up

Words Related to prelude

countdown, run-up [chiefly British]

2 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 of prelude

exordium, foreword, intro, introduction, preamble, preface, proem, prologue (also prolog), prolusion

Words Related to prelude

beginning, commencement, initiation, opening, origin, origination, outset, start

Near Antonyms of prelude

envoi (or envoy), postscript

cessation, close, closing, conclusion, end, finale, finish, stop, termination

Antonyms of prelude

epilogue (also epilog)