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)
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
25 June 2026
For a mid-day warm-up, itineraries highlight cozy neighborhood gems like Drekkamun—a new spot in Kollafjørður whose name translates directly from Faroese as ‘a cup of tea or coffee’—or the brand-new Café Otto, tucked away at the national art museum following a peaceful walk through a local park.
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Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Starter Michael Soroka left before the second inning with posterior hip discomfort sustained throwing warm-up pitches.
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CBS News,
20 June 2026
With pockets of protests against the Iranian government unfolding outside SoFi Stadium, Iran just took the field for warm-ups.
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Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Noun
When the Selecao were flattering to deceive in the pre-World Cup warm-up games against Panama and Egypt, the crowd chanted Endrick’s name.
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Jack Lang,
New York Times,
25 June 2026
For a mid-day warm-up, itineraries highlight cozy neighborhood gems like Drekkamun—a new spot in Kollafjørður whose name translates directly from Faroese as ‘a cup of tea or coffee’—or the brand-new Café Otto, tucked away at the national art museum following a peaceful walk through a local park.
—
Rebecca Ann Hughes,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Starter Michael Soroka left before the second inning with posterior hip discomfort sustained throwing warm-up pitches.
—
CBS News,
20 June 2026
With pockets of protests against the Iranian government unfolding outside SoFi Stadium, Iran just took the field for warm-ups.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warm (up)
Verb
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With free childcare provided, women were able to get assistance with resumes, hair and makeup help from Ulta Beauty, as well as a complementary professional headshot.
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Modern pumps can double as cooling devices, which could provide an effective solution in more intense summer weather.
Noun
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At Ojai, Lewis wistfully performed the solo prelude off in Libbey Park shrubbery as if a dallying forest spirit summoning ghosts of festivals past.
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The windows serve as a prelude to a much larger spatial takeover, as Duggal prepares to deploy massive fan experiences, stadium environments, and retail destinations across North America for the tournament, stretching across North America.
Verb
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Fraicheur de Paris, which operates under a concession from the city, supplies more than 900 clients, from offices buildings to landmarks like the Opera Garnier.
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Early in its founding in New York City in 1866, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advocated for the city's horses, rallying against overloading the horse carts and supplying the animals with drinking water.
Noun
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The meet continues Thursday, a day consisting largely of women’s preliminaries, followed by men’s finals Friday and women’s finals Saturday.
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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.
Verb
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Her top expenses — more than the cost of landscaping and furnishing — come in the form of city permits.
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Owners can book stays through an app while the company manages furnishing, maintenance, taxes, landscaping, and operations.
Verb
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Each bag is equipped with features that make traveling easier, like comfort grip handles at the top and side, a self-locking retractable handle, back zippered pockets, and stability bars at the bottom to keep the bag from tilting while standing upright.
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Whether your 9-to-5 job involves a rare combination of manual record keeping and precarious wilderness travel, or your idea of outdoor recreation includes journaling your day while remaining at the ready for whatever nature hurls at you, the all-new Pen-metheus equips you for it all.
Verb
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Congress has pledged to better arm Taiwan, giving preliminary approval to a $14 billion arms sales package.
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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.
Verb
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Originally established to support anonymous crime-tip programs, the event has grown to help fund specialized equipment for local law enforcement, provide youth scholarships and educate participants about crime prevention efforts in the community.
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Its job is to educate the public, adopt regulations and investigate, audit and penalize businesses that mishandle personal information.
Cite this Entry
“Warm (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warm%20%28up%29. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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