INTRODUCTORY Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

introductory

adjective

ˌin-trə-ˈdək-t(ə-)rē

Definition of introductory

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

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 new games launching today, however, include an introductory set of bonus puzzles that anyone can play without a subscription. — Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 2 Sep. 2026 When model Tricia Helfer came in for a touch-up before an introductory visit to her boyfriend’s parents, Johns toned down her bright blonde chunks to play up her naturally innocent looks. — Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026 At Quince & Cook, Takeuchi’s introductory letter remains at the store for customers to read and photograph before sending a response through Hill’s Bookstore. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 Asics Novablast 6 Sneaker Energetic and highly cushioned, with neutral support, Asics’ Novablast 6 is the perfect introductory road-running shoe for folks not interested in chasing speed or superhuman distance. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for introductory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for introductory

Adjective

Scrutiny of the project would later intensify after preliminary designs were released late last year.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026
But Huby’s bigger passion has always been human spaceflight, and her company has begun preliminary work on a crew spacecraft that could serve either the International Space Station or private space stations under development by US companies.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of preliminary

Adjective

Goertz took Birdsall's basic ideas and refined them into something far more cohesive, blending the visual extravagance of 1950s America with a distinctly European sense of proportion.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026
That in turn feeds ‘The Ticker’, the basic on-screen representation of the score and ‘The Computer’, another programme that turns that raw information into the more intricate graphics that appear on the screen.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of basic

Adjective

In his case, this is mainly evident during the preparatory stage.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Baniewicz was hired by Bishop Miege in 2023 after serving nearly 14 years as president of Maur Hill-Mount Academy, a college preparatory boarding school in Atchison.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of preparatory

Adjective

Martha has the rare superhuman instincts required to keep both the class and the mess in harmonious balance, and watching her walk into RHONY is like watching a prima ballerina lead an elementary-school dance class.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2026
As long as the elementary principles of supply-and-demand continue to hold sway, the invisible hand of the marketplace will keep on flipping the bird to the naysayers.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of elementary

Adjective

Within these confines the main characters register as aliens; Wendy and Jack aren’t just flustered but people who seem to have never been inculcated with a rudimentary sense of social propriety.

— Vadim Rizov, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Using rudimentary 3-D animation tools, the film looks janky, with sharp edges and bad editing.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of rudimentary

Browse Nearby Words

introductions

introductory

intros

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Introductory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/introductory. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of introductory

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

empirical

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

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

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes