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
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, 9 Feb. 2026
But those who supported the proposal saw it as an opportunity to plan ahead for that possibility, signal the county's values and show solidarity with area residents who are fearful and asking for preparatory action.
—Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Within Orthodox circles in Argentina, preparatory stages for conversion may take place in the country, but the beit din, or rabbinical court, that validates them operates in Israel.
—Juan Melamed, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026
Countries have been working through many of those questions at preparatory meetings, with a final session scheduled for late March.
—Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Big Think, 9 Feb. 2026
But those who supported the proposal saw it as an opportunity to plan ahead for that possibility, signal the county's values and show solidarity with area residents who are fearful and asking for preparatory action.
—Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Within Orthodox circles in Argentina, preparatory stages for conversion may take place in the country, but the beit din, or rabbinical court, that validates them operates in Israel.
—Juan Melamed, Sun Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026
Countries have been working through many of those questions at preparatory meetings, with a final session scheduled for late March.
—Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
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According to a preliminary investigation, the suspect approached the victims and asked for their gang affiliation before producing a firearm and opening fire.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
26 Mar. 2026
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Separately, a Cal Fire task force has issued preliminary recommendations in the wake of the inferno.—
Joe Rubin,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Those moves were widely expected, as Geren was already referred to as the board’s president at an introductory news conference for new Superintendent Peter Licata on March 24.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
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This introductory offer allows new players to simply sign up and play a $5 lineup to get the reward, providing an immediate boost to your starting bankroll.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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