overture Synonyms
Another word for overture
• noun (Context 1)
An orchestral piece at the beginning of an opera, suite, play, oratorio, or other extended musical composition; also, an independent orchestral composition in one movement.
"The orchestra began the evening with the lively prelude to Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro."
• noun (Context 2)
An approach or proposal made to someone with the aim of opening negotiations or establishing a relationship (usually used in the plural).
"The government made several diplomatic overtures to neighboring nations in hopes of securing a trade agreement."
• noun (Context 3)
An introduction or preliminary stage to a broader action, event, or development.
"The heated border dispute proved to be a grim prelude to a much wider regional conflict."
• verb (Context 4)
To introduce with an overture, or to put forward as a formal proposal (especially in a Presbyterian legislative assembly).
"The regional presbytery voted to propose the General Assembly regarding amendments to the church constitution."
Opposites of overture
The opposite of overture shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: