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
These preparatory movements then become habits that are carried out in a weaker form even when the action is suppressed.
—
Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025
Ursuline Academy advertises itself as an all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school founded in 1896.
—Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Sep. 2025
There is no timeline for the AI’s ascension to the role, although Okumura said a preparatory committee is in the works.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
After both teams participated in preparatory tournaments last weekend, the curtain is about to rise -- and fans can hardly wait.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Big Think, 23 Sep. 2025
Ursuline Academy advertises itself as an all-girls Catholic college preparatory high school founded in 1896.
—Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Sep. 2025
There is no timeline for the AI’s ascension to the role, although Okumura said a preparatory committee is in the works.
—Chris Lau, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025
After both teams participated in preparatory tournaments last weekend, the curtain is about to rise -- and fans can hardly wait.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
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Federal judge Julia Kobick in Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction stopping the Administration from enforcing the policy against Orr and six other individual plaintiffs in April.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
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The feedback will be used to screen candidates to select for preliminary interviews in January.—
Alec Johnson,
jsonline.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Watch for promotions such as gift cards or introductory pricing for new customers.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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The consumer’s journey includes a introductory questionnaire that covers sizes and style preferences as well as an ongoing dialogue with a human stylist.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
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