pretrial
adjective
pre·tri·al
ˌprē-ˈtrī(-ə)l 
variants
or pre-trial
: occurring or existing before a trial
a pretrial hearing
Examples of pretrial in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In that case, police found methamphetamines and pill bottles within reach of two children inside the Muñozes’ residence on Pine Avenue in Long Beach, according to a pretrial investigative report.
—
Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026
According to the mission, prosecutors and judges frequently ordered pretrial detention as a routine measure and in some cases provided legal cover for arbitrary arrests by issuing warrants retroactively.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
More than 100 relatives gathered to watch the pretrial hearings on big TV screens in three venues organized by civic groups in the capital region.
—ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
The public would see more information about how judges rule on pretrial matters, sentencing, courtroom efficiency and how often their decisions are reversed on appeal under this House bill.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 20 Feb. 2026
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Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2026
According to the mission, prosecutors and judges frequently ordered pretrial detention as a routine measure and in some cases provided legal cover for arbitrary arrests by issuing warrants retroactively.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
More than 100 relatives gathered to watch the pretrial hearings on big TV screens in three venues organized by civic groups in the capital region.
—ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026
The public would see more information about how judges rule on pretrial matters, sentencing, courtroom efficiency and how often their decisions are reversed on appeal under this House bill.
—Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretrial
Cite this Entry
“Pretrial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretrial. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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