overture vs prelude

overture and prelude both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
overture	Yes	No	No	No
prelude	Yes	No	Yes	No

As nouns, overture and prelude are synonyms defined as:

overture and prelude: something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows

Other synonyms of overture include preliminary.

overture (noun)	prelude (noun)
a tentative suggestion designed to elicit the reactions of others	music that precedes a fugue or introduces an act in an opera
orchestral music played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio	something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows

overture (verb)	prelude (verb)
	play as a prelude
	serve as a prelude or opening to