PREPARATORY Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

preparatory

adjective

pri-ˈper-ə-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of preparatory

as in preliminary

coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows a preparatory investigation to see if there is enough evidence to warrant bringing charges

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of preparatory 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 Sudō’s preparatory drawings and tools will offer insight into her processes. — Leslie Camhi, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2026 In his case, this is mainly evident during the preparatory stage. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preparatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory

Adjective

There are also plans afoot by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) called SNA3G, which are preliminary plans for an eventual replacement of the Suffren-class in the future.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Martelly’s name was among 16 listed Friday on the Provisional Electoral Council’s website as having preliminary registered to run.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of preliminary

Adjective

The basic model of competitive markets which one finds in an introductory economics textbook—where independent firms engage in cold arm’s-length transactions motivated by unadulterated self-interest—does not apply to the industry.

— Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
JetBlue is offering some introductory fares for BlueFirst seats for select flights, including a $299 flight from Boston to Fort Lauderdale, a $249 option from New York to Fort Lauderdale and a $299 option from New York to Liberia, Costa Rica.

— Maggie Roth, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026