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)
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2026
Cool temperatures and bright weather continue through Thursday afternoon, ahead of a warm-up.
—Cutter Martin, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
During warm-ups on Tuesday, Donovan Sebrango appeared to have been the only Panthers player to wrap rainbow tape onto his hockey stick.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
How to Watch Norway vs Switzerland The road to World Cup 2026 is entering its final stages, and Norway will host Switzerland on Tuesday in one of the last warm-up friendlies either team will have before the big show.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Noun
All have been personally worn by Curry during tunnel walks, warm-ups, and/or games.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2026
Cool temperatures and bright weather continue through Thursday afternoon, ahead of a warm-up.
—Cutter Martin, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
During warm-ups on Tuesday, Donovan Sebrango appeared to have been the only Panthers player to wrap rainbow tape onto his hockey stick.
—Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
How to Watch Norway vs Switzerland The road to World Cup 2026 is entering its final stages, and Norway will host Switzerland on Tuesday in one of the last warm-up friendlies either team will have before the big show.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warm (up)
Verb
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Ivery explained that the estimates are provided by the NFL and historical data.—
Ricky Sayer,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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For Sienna, the season was a prelude to greater things to come.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
9 Apr. 2026
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Or merely the prelude to yet more drama in the final few weeks of the season?—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Making a little go a long way As cinnabar was costly, the client had to purchase and supply it.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Apr. 2026
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About 80% of its oil flowed through the Strait of Hormuz, and Qatar had been supplying a quarter of its LNG.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The hockey playoffs weren’t affected by the storm and are expected to start on March 2 with Division II preliminaries.—
Jacob Rousseau,
The Providence Journal,
26 Feb. 2026
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Switzerland crushed Germany in the men’s curling preliminaries, keeping a consistent lead before ending the game with a score of 8-4.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The board also authorized the administration to solicit bids for a long-term service contract to furnish custodial services for an evening shift or all custodial work.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
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The HBCUs furnished them, and thousands of other students of color through the decades, with a sense of belonging.—
Larry D. Urish,
Oc Register,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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There is, however, a fitness center equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and resistance training, as well as an outdoor yoga platform with breathtaking vantage points and complimentary classes offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during sunrise.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
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Eleven months later, the transfer of knowledge is complete, and the girls emerge from the basement, equipped with their new powers, just as their family falls apart.—
Kristen Roupenian,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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However, the women held there stole as many as eight rifles from guards to arm the revolt.—
Chad S.A. Gibbs,
The Conversation,
9 Apr. 2026
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The person opened the door armed with a sword and stabbed a Boston Police officer in the arm and knocked the clinician to the ground, according to police.—
Riley Rourke,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Signs educate guests on the process of how the agave is fermented with yeast in large tanks and wooden vats.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
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SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Warm (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warm%20%28up%29. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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