as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
in prefatory remarks he offered his own definition of "civilization", a word subject to a variety of interpretations
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Recent Examples of prefatory
Despite some discouraging downward trends, all the prefatory jawing could go a long way toward siphoning off a fair number of viewers who might otherwise be locked in on the NFL.
—
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2025
The prefatory pause gives the audience a chance to applaud a starry ensemble.
—Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2025
The prefatory pause gives the audience a chance to applaud a starry ensemble.
—Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefatory
Adjective
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The push for college-for-all that gained momentum through the 1990s and 2000s reframed high school as a four-year college preparatory exercise.—
Gerald Bradshaw,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
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After studying his own practice, Licklider determined that as much as 85% of his intellectual work — such as searching for data, running calculations, testing conclusions, and synthesizing information — was fundamentally preparatory for deeper, more creative efforts.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Acquario Pizza’s introductory menu offers a choice of 10 pizzas with toppings such as soppressata, prosciutto cotto, Calabrian chili peppers and cup-and-char pepperoni.—
Bud Kennedy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Mar. 2026
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Critics were given only two of the nine episodes from the first season for review, and these introductory episodes include everything from venus fly-traps and a human meat grinder to a serial killer with botched calf implants.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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During a multiday preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented evidence and witnesses to make the case that led 3rd Judicial District Magistrate Judge Brian Lee to decide there was probable cause for the 33-year-old to go to trial.—
Alex Brizee
March 5,
Idaho Statesman,
6 Mar. 2026
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According to a preliminary survey conducted by Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) this week, 81% of the Israeli public supports the Iran strikes, while 63% of those surveyed believe the campaign should continue until the Iranian regime falls.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prefatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefatory. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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