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
To prepare for the frigid waters of Antarctica, Wigginton, a master scuba diver, plans to conduct some preparatory dives in Lake Huron at 60-90 feet, where water temperature is similar to the 25-foot goal in Antarctica.
—
Lara Terpstra, Freep.com, 4 Aug. 2025
According to a Reuters report released Thursday, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), the federal regulatory agency overseeing railroads, are already conducting preparatory work in anticipation of a possible two deals.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 July 2025
In an interview, Astin pointed to his years on national and L.A. Local boards and on five separate negotiating committees as key preparatory steps for the top job at SAG-AFTRA.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba huddled with advisers for more than 20 hours of preparatory meetings ahead of his showdown the same month, a person familiar with the planning said.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Lara Terpstra, Freep.com, 4 Aug. 2025
According to a Reuters report released Thursday, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), the federal regulatory agency overseeing railroads, are already conducting preparatory work in anticipation of a possible two deals.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 July 2025
In an interview, Astin pointed to his years on national and L.A. Local boards and on five separate negotiating committees as key preparatory steps for the top job at SAG-AFTRA.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba huddled with advisers for more than 20 hours of preparatory meetings ahead of his showdown the same month, a person familiar with the planning said.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
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Connor, per the preliminary PFF data that will be reviewed, was targeted five times.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
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The two allies agreed on the deal in July but Japanese officials discovered days later the preliminary deal had added 15% on existing rates and objected.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Its speeds can match or exceed many competitors, but prices increase significantly after the introductory period.—
Roxanne Downer,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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Sign up today with coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off the regular course price of $67 (plus tax).—
Ernestine Siu,
CNBC,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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