as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
the couple's initial exchange of insults proved to be only a warm-up for their booze-fueled fight later that night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 warm (up)
Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
After doing some warm-up gigs in Las Vegas, the group did a homecoming show at the Bacchanal in Kearny Mesa.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
Please include rest days and warm-up ideas as well.
—Tor Constantino, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
The appearance came after warm-up gigs in Scotland for Mental Health Awareness Week, which were held in partnership with mental health charity CALM.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Verb
Air conditioning in Terminal 4 of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was turned off for routine maintenance that took longer than expected, resulting in an unexpected warm-up.
—Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 9 July 2025
After doing some warm-up gigs in Las Vegas, the group did a homecoming show at the Bacchanal in Kearny Mesa.
—George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025
Please include rest days and warm-up ideas as well.
—Tor Constantino, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
The appearance came after warm-up gigs in Scotland for Mental Health Awareness Week, which were held in partnership with mental health charity CALM.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warm (up)
Noun
-
While the most intense heat will center on Virginia and the Carolinas Thursday, temperatures will also climb across parts of the Northeast and central US in a prelude to next week’s more expansive and intense heat dome.—
Tyler Ory,
CNN Money,
18 June 2025
-
An original amuse bouche of edible Yame tea, Yamanaka’s personalized version of a Japanese tea ceremony, is a prelude to an unforgettable dinner course at Viridis.—
Terry Elward,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Verb
-
Businesses should ask chatbot vendors to provide real-world data showing how their bots compare to human agents in terms of efficiency, accuracy and customer satisfaction.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
-
Dobbins, just signed last month, got a one-year deal to come in, be a veteran presence in the room and provide juice both in the running game and as a pass protector.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
Today's listen Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The Scripps National Spelling Bee is celebrating its 100th anniversary this week, with preliminaries kicking off last night.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
28 May 2025
-
Sports High School Sports News See who qualified from Thursday's preliminaries for the CIFSS Division 1 finals on Saturday at Mt. SAC.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
While ratings have dipped over the past few years, in line with the vast majority of other shows, MasterChef still averages a consolidated 28-day audience of more than 3M viewers, according to Barb data supplied by overnights.tv.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
18 July 2025
-
On the production side, Rae made sure to assemble the right crew to supply heat behind the boards with beats from Swizz Beatz, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League and Nottz throughout the 17-track album.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
18 July 2025
Verb
-
Some players also furnished The Observer with previously unseen photos and videos from that remarkable season, and those will also be displayed.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
10 July 2025
-
Truly a move-in-ready opportunity, Swan Manor is being offered fully furnished.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
In this way, musicians are uniquely equipped for reinvention.—
Victoria Chynoweth,
Rolling Stone,
11 July 2025
-
In other words, he was thrust into a challenging role that he was no longer equipped to handle.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Creeping through the night, armed with a knife, Bryan Kohberger stalked them like helpless prey.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
20 July 2025
-
Until regular people act, armed with the truth and selfless motivation, we are doomed to continue mankind’s bizarre behavior.—
William "Coty" Keller,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 July 2025
Verb
-
The panel called on the convention crowd to educate themselves on their rights and speak out about their concerns — and not just online.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
-
And as the number of A schools creeps upward, that’s ignited a debate on whether Florida is grading its schools effectively, and whether grade inflation is masking continued difficulties educating students.—
Steven Walker,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Warm (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warm%20%28up%29. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share