as in requirements
something that must exist or happen before something else can exist or happen
An education is an important precondition for getting a good job. They insist on a guarantee as a precondition to the deal.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 preconditions
And long-term, bat oils and droppings can stain a home and create preconditions for mold.
—
Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Those funds pay for emergency shelters, transitional housing and rapid rehousing programs – which provide temporary rental assistance and the assistance of a social worker, without preconditions – and permanent supportive housing.
—Deyanira Nevárez Martínez, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026
These are the best preconditions to introduce Name Tag, brought to you by Meta and Ray-Ban.
—Sarah Jeong, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2026
Zelensky has agreed to meet Putin just about anywhere but Moscow, with no preconditions.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
While this market has those preconditions—a revolutionary technology and spectacular profit growth—the cycle has not yet reached the terminal phase where insiders rush for the exits.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026
The idea arose when, as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western artists began to write and create art about the preconditions and reasons behind Russia’s actions.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Qatar has hosted multiple rounds of talks since April between the Congo and M23, mainly to set preconditions for a peace deal and agree on confidence-building steps, but both sides still accuse each other of violating peace terms and fighting has continued.
—CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025
Trump is fully capable of spinning a narrative that would claim one of those preconditions, even while having no resemblance to the truth.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Those funds pay for emergency shelters, transitional housing and rapid rehousing programs – which provide temporary rental assistance and the assistance of a social worker, without preconditions – and permanent supportive housing.
—Deyanira Nevárez Martínez, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2026
These are the best preconditions to introduce Name Tag, brought to you by Meta and Ray-Ban.
—Sarah Jeong, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2026
Zelensky has agreed to meet Putin just about anywhere but Moscow, with no preconditions.
—Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
While this market has those preconditions—a revolutionary technology and spectacular profit growth—the cycle has not yet reached the terminal phase where insiders rush for the exits.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026
The idea arose when, as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western artists began to write and create art about the preconditions and reasons behind Russia’s actions.
—Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Qatar has hosted multiple rounds of talks since April between the Congo and M23, mainly to set preconditions for a peace deal and agree on confidence-building steps, but both sides still accuse each other of violating peace terms and fighting has continued.
—CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025
Trump is fully capable of spinning a narrative that would claim one of those preconditions, even while having no resemblance to the truth.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preconditions
Noun
-
Framed as deregulation, the bill sets a statewide minimum lot size of 1,500 square feet while also shrinking setbacks and eliminating dimensional requirements that could stand in the way of building multiple compact homes on at least four acres of land.—
Mark Dee
March 28,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Mar. 2026
-
No ban on mask-wearing federal agents and no requirements for judicial warrants for immigration raids were in the final deal, which could spark a new clash once Congress returns from spring break.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Despite numerous complaints to health inspectors from elderly people that Salmos 23 left them wanting the most basic necessities — like toilet paper — DCF chose it as a refuge over hundreds of other homes.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Because these orders were issued without sufficient planning for necessities, many households ran short of food.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The strong wind, combined with the dry air and dry brush on the ground, creates conditions for an elevated wildfire threat.—
March 28,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Check airport conditions early and often, including official websites and social media accounts where airports share timely updates and guidance, according to experts.—
John Raby,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Cameron is completing the rigorous prerequisites to apply to the competitive cardiovascular technology program at Grossmont College while caring for her daughter.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
-
And unfortunately, in all those cases, there are important prerequisites, the most important of which is serious organization.—
Hanna Rosin,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preconditions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preconditions. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
