Synonyms for overture
Most common
Synonyms by meaning
Noun
2. Prelude
Other
Definitions
- n. 1
An approach or proposal made to initiate communication, establish a relationship etc.
- n. 2
A motion placed before a legislative body, such as the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Related words
- Word family
- overt
Forms
- Plural
- overtures → proposals, advances, offers, approaches…
Choose the right word
An overture opens negotiation or conference, and the word is especially used of some movement toward reconciliation; as, overtures of peace.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- proposal A discussion of the proposal seems to be in order.
- invitation I had to decline the invitation because I was ill.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| overture | steady | |
| proposal | falling | |
| invitation | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 5 letters
- offer2
- 6 letters
- tender2, feeler2
- 7 letters
- advance2, prelude2, proffer2
- 8 letters
- approach2, offering3, proposal3
- 10 letters
- invitation4
- 11 letters
- preliminary5, proposition4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (offer2 = 2 syllables).