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
That three-story building has been stabilized with temporary supports since a portion of an interior ceiling caved in last summer during preparatory work.
—
Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
The team will first play a preparatory series in Sri Lanka which begins in two weeks’ time.
—Dominic Fifield, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
They were discovered during preparatory work for road construction.
—CBS News, 28 Dec. 2025
In climate lingo, that means taking preparatory measures and climate-proofing infrastructure.
—Justin Worland, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026
The team will first play a preparatory series in Sri Lanka which begins in two weeks’ time.
—Dominic Fifield, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
They were discovered during preparatory work for road construction.
—CBS News, 28 Dec. 2025
In climate lingo, that means taking preparatory measures and climate-proofing infrastructure.
—Justin Worland, Time, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
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The data are preliminary and may change over time as more reports are received.—
Koko Nakajima,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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In January, after a six-day preliminary hearing, a Superior Court judge found there was sufficient evidence for the case against Price to go to trial.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
19 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Register now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 20% off.—
Sarah Jackson,
CNBC,
17 Feb. 2026
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But until Brady finally — mercifully — took time during his introductory news conference to praise McDermott, the organization seemed to go out of its way to snub the coach who set its win percentage record.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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