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

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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

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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 Trump greeted Xi for a ceremony welcoming him to the White House on Thursday and both leaders made introductory remarks to Chinese and American officials as well as the press. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026 New data presented at the UC Board of Regents meeting Wednesday shows that more first-year students are failing introductory math courses now than six years ago when the university moved to a test-blind admissions process. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Together, the introductory courses make up about 5% of the classes freshmen take, ranging from 2% at UC Irvine to 12% at UC Merced. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 Still, Toboni’s background as senior vice president and assistant GM with the Red Sox and message in his introductory press conference won a lot of people over within the industry. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for introductory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for introductory
  1. preliminary
  2. basic
  3. preparatory
  4. elementary
  5. rudimentary
Adjective
  • Fabricating standardized modules The contract builds on a preliminary pact agreed between the two firms in August 2025.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Some studies suggest fasting may also help prevent cancer or boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy, though much of that research is still preliminary.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of preliminary
Adjective
  • There is a similar ambivalence to Lee’s reiterative combinations of a few basic elements.
    — Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Highlighting ingredients is paramount with basic, but bountiful baskets of whole organic veggies on offer for a whopping 18€ for two people.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • The math problem Between the 2020-21 and 2025-26 school years, the number of first-year students who got a D or F grade, withdrew or did not pass in calculus, precalculus and preparatory math courses increased from 13% to 18%.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Among students who entered in fall 2023, 31% took preparatory math, precalculus or first-year calculus in their first two years, while 41% started in a more advanced course, according to data presented by the UC Office of the President.
    — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of preparatory
Adjective
  • Even when the weights and every elementary computation are available for inspection, no one can readily understand how the models produce a particular answer.
    — Ambuj Tewari, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2026
  • This school year, Mayor Mamdani paused the use of AI for elementary and middle school students, and provided grade-appropriate bans or guidance on screen time.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • That effectively turns the window unit into a rudimentary ground-source heat pump.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026
  • People in New York City looked up in shock and dismay; people everywhere else watched their favorite anchors on old-fashioned television sets and looked for updates on very rudimentary versions of news websites.
    — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of rudimentary

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introductions
introductory
intros
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Cite this Entry

“Introductory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/introductory. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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