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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of warm (up)
Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
The players were participating in a warm-up drill; the circle inched forward as the Americans headed or kicked the ball to each other.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 11 June 2026
The longtime athlete wore a light-pink Nike warm-up jacket and tennis dress during the match and received a loud ovation from the crowd at the prestigious London tournament.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Also, for meetings, providing a pre-read, an agenda or some form of warm-up knowledge decreases cortisol and improves functionality by building awareness about the event.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Noun
However, Raúl Rangel has been the starting goalkeeper during Mexico’s past three warm-up matches, playing the full 90 minutes each time.
—Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
The players were participating in a warm-up drill; the circle inched forward as the Americans headed or kicked the ball to each other.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 11 June 2026
The longtime athlete wore a light-pink Nike warm-up jacket and tennis dress during the match and received a loud ovation from the crowd at the prestigious London tournament.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 11 June 2026
Also, for meetings, providing a pre-read, an agenda or some form of warm-up knowledge decreases cortisol and improves functionality by building awareness about the event.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warm (up)
Verb
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Eyewitnesses said none of the soldiers present helped provide medical attention.—
Jeremy Diamond,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
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Witnesses provided officers with a photograph and description of the suspect's vehicle, helping investigators quickly identify and locate Harmon.—
Caroline Foreback,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
Noun
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In Germany itself, references to the Weimar Republic, the fragile democracy that preceded Hitler’s rise to power, are a staple of public debate as an unmistakable prelude-to-Hitler warning.—
Katja Hoyer,
Washington Post,
9 June 2026
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But all that was just a prelude to the eight-match CONCACAF Championship in 1989, the qualifying tournament for the next World Cup in Italy.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
Verb
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The investigation is led by prosecutor Paolo Storari, who also has spearheaded probes into sweatshops supplying luxury brands.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 June 2026
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OpenAI supplies the model and the orchestration.—
Janakiram MSV,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
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Hernandez, now a Southern Section champion again, along with all the other winners will move onto the CIF preliminaries next Saturday to face the rest of the state's top female jumpers, with a chance to get back to the state finals.—
Ryan Gaydos OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
19 May 2026
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Tennyson never made it to the Southern Section track preliminaries after winning the league title.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
Verb
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Offered fully furnished, the over 4,000-square-foot home features four bedrooms and five full bathrooms.—
Jessica Alvarado Gamez,
Denver Post,
10 June 2026
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Children are free to just hang out in rooms furnished with bean-bag chairs, video games, surround sound speakers, big screen televisions and plenty of snacks.—
Michael Cuglietta,
The Orlando Sentinel,
9 June 2026
Verb
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The China Daily report notes that SAIC Motor’s MG brand has equipped its MG4 and MG4X electric vehicles with hybrid solid-liquid batteries developed in partnership with battery manufacturer Qingtao Energy.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
8 June 2026
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The kitchen is nearby and is equipped with a sink, an induction cooktop, an oven, a fridge/freezer, and, optionally, a dishwasher.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Congress has pledged to better arm Taiwan, giving preliminary approval to a $14 billion arms sales package.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
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The decision to end the core pillar of Europe’s largest defense project comes at a time when Western military officials have warned of a growing threat from Russia and the US is stepping up pressure for Europe to re-arm itself.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
Verb
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The program is a half-day, in-depth course to educate attendees on the principles used by firefighters in suppressing wildland fire and protecting structures in the Wildland Urban Interface, said workshop organizers.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 June 2026
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As the World Cup tourists arrive, the national seashore is educating them about how to stay safe at local beaches.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
9 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Warm (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warm%20%28up%29. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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