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
Relevance
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
Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 27 June 2025
The court's conservative majority said that the parents who brought the case are entitled to a preliminary injunction while their lawsuits proceed.
—June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025
Jim Varsallone, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Late preliminaries available on ESPN+, ESPN, Disney+, and ESPN Deportes at 8 p.m. ET.
—Jim Varsallone, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Adjective
The court found that the parents are also likely to succeed in their lawsuit over free-exercise claims, and have shown they are entitled to a preliminary injunction while their lawsuit proceeds.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 27 June 2025
The court's conservative majority said that the parents who brought the case are entitled to a preliminary injunction while their lawsuits proceed.
—June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025
Noun
Early preliminaries will air on ESPN+, Disney+, and UFC Fight Pass starting at 6 p.m. ET.
—Jim Varsallone, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Late preliminaries available on ESPN+, ESPN, Disney+, and ESPN Deportes at 8 p.m. ET.
—Jim Varsallone, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary
Adjective
-
Arsenal have their own preparatory plans in Singapore and Hong Kong, while Liverpool and Barcelona are both travelling to Japan, among other countries.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
-
Each participant had, before receiving the psilocybin dose, undergone two preparatory therapy sessions.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 June 2025
Noun
-
Perhaps as a prelude to a settlement, Salem Media just issued another apology for allowing Colorado podcaster Joe Oltmann to voice false statements about Coomer on air.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
20 June 2025
-
That latest dot plot carried preludes to stagflation—among the most catastrophic economic scenarios.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
In the introductory remarks, patrons were urged to keep as quiet as possible in order to experience the possibilities of hearing overlapping ensembles.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
29 June 2025
-
Quickly becoming a fan favorite for the Angels faithful, Moore capped his introductory homestand with another clutch at-bat — in a week that started with a bang thanks to his two home run spectacle Tuesday against the Red Sox.—
Benjamin Royer,
Los Angeles Times,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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