Definition of preparatorynext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of preparatory This includes increasing college preparatory course availability at high schools, making financial aid systems easier to navigate, and recruiting and retaining Asian American and Pacific Islander faculty members. Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2026 When interview invitations arrive, candidates have already done the reflective and preparatory work that helps make those conversations productive instead of reactive. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 June 2026 The artist painted the mural singlehandedly, by hand, says the complaint, over many weeks, without preparatory sketches. Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 2 June 2026 It will also be used as a test-bed for long-term habitation and preparatory work for permanent bases. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
  • In a report, the agency's staff recommends that the commission approve the preliminary site and building plans for the arch.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
  • Attorneys argued back and forth on the matter for hours in a Utah courtroom on July 8 during a weeklong preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • Weist herself appears in a brief introductory clip before the performance proper.
    Rhoda Feng, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • The Heat is expected to hold Antetokounmpo’s introductory press conference on July 16.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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