as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
in prefatory remarks he offered his own definition of "civilization", a word subject to a variety of interpretations
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Recent Examples of prefatory
Despite some discouraging downward trends, all the prefatory jawing could go a long way toward siphoning off a fair number of viewers who might otherwise be locked in on the NFL.
—
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2025
The prefatory pause gives the audience a chance to applaud a starry ensemble.
—Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2025
The prefatory pause gives the audience a chance to applaud a starry ensemble.
—Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prefatory
Adjective
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The push for college-for-all that gained momentum through the 1990s and 2000s reframed high school as a four-year college preparatory exercise.—
Gerald Bradshaw,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
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After studying his own practice, Licklider determined that as much as 85% of his intellectual work — such as searching for data, running calculations, testing conclusions, and synthesizing information — was fundamentally preparatory for deeper, more creative efforts.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Register now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 20% off.—
Gili Malinsky,
CNBC,
23 Feb. 2026
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The book, which is now required for introductory sociology courses at Florida State University, was edited down from 669 pages to 267.—
Steven Walker,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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According to preliminary information, Shah Alam did not have shoes on, just orange booties from the detention center, when he was dropped off by agents, Ryan said.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
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Property owner Carol Lazier submitted a preliminary development application for Seaside Ridge, which includes 42 lower-income units and 43 moderate-income units, in October 2022.—
Luke Harold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prefatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prefatory. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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