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
To prepare for the frigid waters of Antarctica, Wigginton, a master scuba diver, plans to conduct some preparatory dives in Lake Huron at 60-90 feet, where water temperature is similar to the 25-foot goal in Antarctica.
—
Lara Terpstra, Freep.com, 4 Aug. 2025
According to a Reuters report released Thursday, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), the federal regulatory agency overseeing railroads, are already conducting preparatory work in anticipation of a possible two deals.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 July 2025
In an interview, Astin pointed to his years on national and L.A. Local boards and on five separate negotiating committees as key preparatory steps for the top job at SAG-AFTRA.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba huddled with advisers for more than 20 hours of preparatory meetings ahead of his showdown the same month, a person familiar with the planning said.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Lara Terpstra, Freep.com, 4 Aug. 2025
According to a Reuters report released Thursday, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), the federal regulatory agency overseeing railroads, are already conducting preparatory work in anticipation of a possible two deals.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 July 2025
In an interview, Astin pointed to his years on national and L.A. Local boards and on five separate negotiating committees as key preparatory steps for the top job at SAG-AFTRA.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba huddled with advisers for more than 20 hours of preparatory meetings ahead of his showdown the same month, a person familiar with the planning said.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
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But officials expressed caution due to the preliminary nature of the investigation.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
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Whether the preliminary August reading of an anemic 22,000 jobs added to the economy holds true remains to be seen.—
Tiana Lowe Doescher,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Rodrigo’s introductory project is now up to 224 weeks on the main albums tally and streaming roster, but only 196 turns on the all-encompassing sales list.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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There’s a simmering rage and self-loathing to Blakey, which Latif matches in the form of unpredictable camera motion, but these introductory moments are about as energetic as the movie ever gets.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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