introductory

adjective

ˌin-trə-ˈdək-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce introductory (audio)
Definition of introductorynext
1
as in preliminary
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows an introductory paragraph to the chapter on evolution

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject an introductory course in computer programming

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of introductory The jury noted in its report that RT sent emails to riders about the new app, put up posters on buses and included an announcement about the app change at the end of the introductory message for the dispatch line. — Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026 In a conference hall near the entrance, 16 trainees settle into plastic chairs for an introductory presentation on solar installation, a course launched this year as Buildher expands into additional technical trades. — Christopher Clark, NPR, 5 July 2026 The introductory course for PPEL required students to read, on average, just twenty-seven pages a week. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 GanttPro takes a similar approach to project management, and its introductory premium plan is more affordable at $7 per month, billed annually. — Ruben Circelli, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for introductory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for introductory
  1. preliminary
  2. basic
  3. preparatory
  4. elementary
  5. rudimentary
Adjective
  • According to a preliminary investigation, the boy, from Apple Valley, was crossing the street with a friend on his bicycle when he was struck by a westbound vehicle.
    — Hannah Brueske, Twin Cities, 15 July 2026
  • Martinez-Olguin is scheduled to hold a hearing on Thursday on the subscribers’ motion for a preliminary injunction and on Paramount’s motion to dismiss the subscribers’ suit.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 15 July 2026
Definition of preliminary
Adjective
  • The first level of that trio is the most basic and familiar, a main floor that starts at a front lounge that brings the driver's area into the fold by way of swiveling cab seats.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 July 2026
  • The airline reported higher revenue for premium, corporate and no-frills basic economy tickets, as well as rising unit revenue for both domestic and international trips.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • As economist and Opportunity@Work founder Byron Auguste has noted, when policymakers, employers and parents all realized that the shifting job landscape required a different preparatory path, states passed compulsory education laws.
    — Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 2026
  • Another measure to speed up the preparatory studies proposes that when a power plant operator and a large load customer of a similar size both apply for access to the grid, only one study of the impact of both players joining should be conducted, rather than sequential studies.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 24 June 2026
Definition of preparatory
Adjective
  • Children ages 6-11, in the early elementary years, are still developing socially.
    — Elizabeth Dowdell, Fortune, 15 July 2026
  • It was hit and miss, but overall those bookshelves were like the world itself, stretchy enough to accommodate, across decades, both a middle-aged lawyer and his elementary-school granddaughter.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • Ong cited case studies by the neuropsychologist Alexander Luria, who traveled to remote villages in Uzbekistan and Kirghizia in the 1930s, when peasants were starting to receive rudimentary reading and writing instruction.
    — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • As international rescue teams depart and officials shift to rebuilding, Venezuelan families in La Guaira are left to recover bodies on their own, using only rudimentary tools and bare hands.
    — Fernanda Pesce, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of rudimentary

Browse Nearby Words

introductions
introductory
intros
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Introductory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/introductory. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on introductory

Nglish: Translation of introductory for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
child-detective
Spot the Misspelled Word July 2026 Those little red underlines can't help you now...
See All