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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Police said a preliminary investigation indicated that following the initial collision between the Chevrolet Camero and Ford Fusion, the semi-truck hit the Camaro in the rear.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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Ellis has ordered Bovino be deposed in the case and a preliminary injunction hearing is set for November 5.—
Amanda Musa,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Onward and upward By the end of its introductory episodes, Dispatch has successfully employed the traditional two-part pilot structure most sitcoms need to lay their groundwork.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
22 Oct. 2025
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Sign up today with coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 20% off.—
Megan Sauer,
CNBC,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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