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Overture

n. kind, hopeful formal

What it means

A first friendly proposal or gesture intended to open better relations.

Reach for it when naming a tentative beginning to cooperation, peace, or conversation

The shared meal was an overture toward cooperation between the groups.

Words to choose between 6

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
everyday
warm
professional
formal
literary

  • everyday

    opening

    Fits when a chance for discussion has appeared

    Careful Opening may occur accidentally.

  • warm

    gesture

    Fits when one symbolic act communicates friendly intent

    Careful A gesture may not open negotiations.

  • warm

    invitation

    Fits when another person is welcomed to respond

    Careful Invitation need not involve repairing relations.

  • professional

    approach

    Fits when first contact is exploratory

    Careful Approach may carry no goodwill.

  • formal

    proposal

    Fits when specific terms await consideration

    Careful Proposal sounds developed; an overture can test receptiveness.

  • literary

    olive branch

    Fits when reconciliation after conflict is the aim

    Careful The image assumes prior hostility.

Opposites 3

  • rebuff
  • ultimatum
  • withdrawal

Common phrases 3

  • peace overture

    The ceasefire proposal became the first credible peace overture.

  • friendly overture

    A friendly overture from the manager eased the handover.

  • make an overture

    The association will make an overture to the neighboring village.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated