as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
we need to do some preliminary research in order to properly focus the experiment
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
a meeting to discuss seating arrangements that was merely a preliminary to the formal negotiating sessions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preliminary
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
The associate cost estimator also prepares and reviews preliminary and feasibility level cost estimates for construction projects for the California State Water Resources Control Board and other agencies.
—Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
The women’s steeplechase preliminaries begin Sept. 15 with the finals to follow on Sept. 17.
—Idaho Statesman, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Adjective
This recent study offers preliminary evidence detailing the path of gold into spruce trees.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2025
The associate cost estimator also prepares and reviews preliminary and feasibility level cost estimates for construction projects for the California State Water Resources Control Board and other agencies.
—Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
The sheriff's office preliminary determined that the body belonged to the missing teenager.
—Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
The women’s steeplechase preliminaries begin Sept. 15 with the finals to follow on Sept. 17.
—Idaho Statesman, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary
Adjective
-
Those preparatory projects included the installation of new capping roofs to weatherproof the buildings for a long period of care and maintenance, as well as the rerouting of electrical supplies and de-planting of boiler equipment.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Oct. 2025
-
These are showcased alongside engravers’ prints and unpublished documents, such as preparatory Polaroids and test prints annotated by Avedon.—
Lily Templeton,
Footwear News,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Venezuelan regime has condemned the deployment as an act of coercion and a potential prelude to intervention.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
-
What wasn’t revealed at the time, however, was how this was a prelude to the Netflix special early next year.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
However, there aren’t any introductory-APR offers, and there is a late payment fee of up to $40.—
David McMillin,
CNBC,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Steiner emerged as perhaps the biggest star of Formula 1’s Drive to Survive, doesn’t have any MotoGP experience, and, at his introductory press conference, did his best to come off humble.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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