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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Recent Examples of preparatory
The artist painted the mural singlehandedly, by hand, says the complaint, over many weeks, without preparatory sketches.
—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
2 June 2026
It will also be used as a test-bed for long-term habitation and preparatory work for permanent bases.
—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
10 May 2026
Najib was the only one of the defendants who was arrested and present in person in court Sunday for a preparatory session in the trial, which will continue next month.
—
Ghaith Alsayed,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
The Czech power company ČEZ signed a deal on Friday with Rolls-Royce SMR on preparatory work for the British company to build the first small modular nuclear reactor in the Czech Republic.
—
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
2 June 2026
It will also be used as a test-bed for long-term habitation and preparatory work for permanent bases.
—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
10 May 2026
Najib was the only one of the defendants who was arrested and present in person in court Sunday for a preparatory session in the trial, which will continue next month.
—
Ghaith Alsayed,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
The Czech power company ČEZ signed a deal on Friday with Rolls-Royce SMR on preparatory work for the British company to build the first small modular nuclear reactor in the Czech Republic.
—
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
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Vacaville completed a preliminary polling on Measure V in November 2025, which revealed that 48% of voters favored the sales tax increase.
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Assessments of the damage are preliminary, the statement said, as aftershocks continue to pose risks to those who live in the country and to the teams descending to help clean up the rubble.
Adjective
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An introductory section designed by Studio Adrien Gardère will spotlight the savoir-faire of Le19M’s 11 resident maisons d’art, focusing on the gestures, tools, materials and creative processes that define them.
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The space hosted introductory watchmaking workshops, information on professional opportunities and career paths organized by the Swiss Watchmaking Industry Employers’ Association (CP).
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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