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
Although Ukraine’s accession to the alliance has been controversial, there is precedent for members being brought in without lengthy delay or an elaborate preparatory process.
—
Stephen Hadley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2025
Four preparatory sketches on view are among fewer than a dozen surviving examples and illustrate the continuity and interconnectedness of his projects over several decades.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
But those negotiations have not begun — there have only been preparatory talks — and the first phase has been jolted by one dispute after another.
—Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
In two rooms upstairs, there were hundreds of works: from art-school sketches and preparatory crayon drawings to large-scale, fully realized paintings that had taken Orlik months to complete.
—Sam Knight, New Yorker, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Stephen Hadley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2025
Four preparatory sketches on view are among fewer than a dozen surviving examples and illustrate the continuity and interconnectedness of his projects over several decades.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
But those negotiations have not begun — there have only been preparatory talks — and the first phase has been jolted by one dispute after another.
—Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
In two rooms upstairs, there were hundreds of works: from art-school sketches and preparatory crayon drawings to large-scale, fully realized paintings that had taken Orlik months to complete.
—Sam Knight, New Yorker, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
-
The preliminary assessment, released by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, comes 30 days after the fatal crash, following guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations agency that recommends practices for the industry.—
Tribune News Service,
New York Daily News,
11 July 2025
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The court will hold another hearing soon to decide if a longer preliminary injunction on the LAPD should be imposed.—
Alexandra Koch , Bill Mears,
FOXNews.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Head coach of Mike Brown of the New York Knicks speaks to media during his introductory press conference at Knicks Training Facility on July 08, 2025 in Tarrytown, New York.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
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The apparent deletion was noticed on social media the same day that comments from Krauskopf's introductory press conference resurfaced.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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