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
This month, Rosatom began the preparatory site work to construct a nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan, which will be the first nuclear reactor in Central Asia and Russia’s first SMR export.
—
Juzel Lloyd, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025
While much of Neom remains in the planning or preparatory stage, these areas demonstrate momentum.
—Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
To qualify for the offer, high school seniors in Riverside County must meet the college preparatory courses (A-G requirements) that both Cal State and the University of California require for admissions.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
The overdraft rule, which the consumer bureau finalized in December after years of preparatory work, was scheduled to take effect in late 2025.
—Stacy Cowley, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Juzel Lloyd, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025
While much of Neom remains in the planning or preparatory stage, these areas demonstrate momentum.
—Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
To qualify for the offer, high school seniors in Riverside County must meet the college preparatory courses (A-G requirements) that both Cal State and the University of California require for admissions.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
The overdraft rule, which the consumer bureau finalized in December after years of preparatory work, was scheduled to take effect in late 2025.
—Stacy Cowley, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
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Such a move could raise $67.3 billion over the next 10 years, according to a preliminary estimate from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
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The competition — which featured 17 total contestants — unfolded this past weekend, with the preliminary round taking place on Saturday, May 10 and the finals on Sunday, May 11.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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The introductory outdoor clocks typically start around $20, with better and bigger models reaching up to around $60.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
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Of particular note here is an introductory land like a Main Street, U.S.A., leading to a central hub.—
Todd Martens,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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