Overture
n.kind, hopefulformal
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.
Choose between these
6- everyday
opening
a chance for discussion has appeared
not when Opening may occur accidentally.
- warm
gesture
one symbolic act communicates friendly intent
not when A gesture may not open negotiations.
- warm
another person is welcomed to respond
not when Invitation need not involve repairing relations.
- professional
approach
first contact is exploratory
not when Approach may carry no goodwill.
- formal
proposal
specific terms await consideration
not when Proposal sounds developed; an overture can test receptiveness.
- literary
reconciliation after conflict is the aim
not when The image assumes prior hostility.
Said against
3- rebuff
- ultimatum
- withdrawal
It naturally appears in
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.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English noun figurative sense: opening proposal opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.