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
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
That makes the Gold Cup, a three-week tournament with group play and a single-elimination knockout stage, an important preparatory test for the three hosts even if the field is less than stellar.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
In his preparatory YouTube video, Goodge claimed it would be set to send a GPS ping every two minutes, rather than the default 10 minutes.
—Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
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
That makes the Gold Cup, a three-week tournament with group play and a single-elimination knockout stage, an important preparatory test for the three hosts even if the field is less than stellar.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025
In his preparatory YouTube video, Goodge claimed it would be set to send a GPS ping every two minutes, rather than the default 10 minutes.
—Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
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Where to collect, what to collect, how to collect, how to analyze China's final pick of a landing zone will rely on a review of 86 preliminary landing sites.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
29 June 2025
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Remove any excess grease, then use your bristle brush to do a preliminary scrub of the cold grill grates.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 June 2025
Adjective
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On his introductory media call with the Ducks, Trouba said Drury forced him to choose between accepting a trade to a team on his no-trade list and going on waivers — the same way the GM got out of Goodrow’s contract nearly six months earlier.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
19 June 2025
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That includes the introductory casino, three levels of covered parking, a back-of-house level and a top level with the main casino floor and restaurants.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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