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 new moon in Aries puts you in preparatory mode.
—
Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026
That vision also includes preparatory work, through robotic landings in the general region of the lunar south pole, targeted to happen as often as once a month starting in 2027.
—Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
The Joint Budget Committee’s half-dozen members finished their extensive preparatory work on the annual spending plan last week.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
But diplomatic protocol ahead of a presidential visit to China usually sees either the US secretary of state or the national security advisor make a preparatory trip too, and that did not happen.
—Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026
That vision also includes preparatory work, through robotic landings in the general region of the lunar south pole, targeted to happen as often as once a month starting in 2027.
—Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 14 Apr. 2026
The Joint Budget Committee’s half-dozen members finished their extensive preparatory work on the annual spending plan last week.
—Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
But diplomatic protocol ahead of a presidential visit to China usually sees either the US secretary of state or the national security advisor make a preparatory trip too, and that did not happen.
—Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
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According to a preliminary investigation, four suspects wearing hoodies and gloves used hammers to smash a display case and stole jewelry.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
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Outside of a track and field preliminary meet at Yorba Linda High on Saturday, an anti-transgender advocacy group called Save Girls’ Sports organized a protest against California policies that allow transgender athletes to compete based on their gender identity.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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Your payment method will automatically be charged in advance the introductory rate every 4 weeks for 1 year, and after 1 year the standard rate every 4 weeks.—
New York Times,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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In his introductory news conference Wednesday at the Advocate Center, Graham joked that starting out as a top executive is akin to becoming a first-time parent.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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