PREPARATORY Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

preparatory

adjective

pri-ˈper-ə-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of preparatory

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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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of preparatory Account managers have seen their preparatory work shrink—AI can assemble meeting notes, summarize calls, draft follow-ups and flag patterns across client communication. — Victor Karpenko, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 The math problem Between the 2020-21 and 2025-26 school years, the number of first-year students who got a D or F grade, withdrew or did not pass in calculus, precalculus and preparatory math courses increased from 13% to 18%. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Among students who entered in fall 2023, 31% took preparatory math, precalculus or first-year calculus in their first two years, while 41% started in a more advanced course, according to data presented by the UC Office of the President. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 Sudō’s preparatory drawings and tools will offer insight into her processes. — Leslie Camhi, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preparatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory

Adjective

To prevent the seed heads from reseeding, do a preliminary light prune by trimming off the tops in fall, then cut the clumps back fully in spring.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 8 Nov. 2026
Some Arizona cities have agreed to fund preliminary work to reduce reliance on the Colorado River by expanding an existing dam on the Verde River to capture runoff from storms, Svoma said.

— Wufei Yu, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026