as in preludes
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
a meeting to discuss seating arrangements that was merely a preliminary to the formal negotiating sessions
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminaries
Noun
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Right, an Indianapolis Colts player is seen in a file photo during warm-ups before the NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 6, 2024.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025 -
An errant throw during warm-ups before the start of the ninth inning struck him on the left side of the jaw.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But with a combative Trump questioning the very purpose of the UN at his speech before the General Assembly, Beijing has an international audience that may be more receptive to its overtures.—
JEFFREY PRESCOTT,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Sep. 2025
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Since then, Moscow has expanded its drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, while seemingly ignoring his overtures for further dialogue to end the conflict.—
Matthew Bodner,
NBC news,
25 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Preliminaries.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminaries. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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