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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Tickets to the mixed archery preliminary set me back $110 each, then $85 each for the mixed equestrian preliminary.—
Personal Finance Columnist,
San Francisco Chronicle,
8 Apr. 2026
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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
Verb
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With its home-furnishing heritage, focus on low prices, and the help of artist Marcelis, Ikea has made a genuinely delightful smart lamp that’s not only beautiful but also affordable and practical.—
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy,
The Verge,
15 Apr. 2026
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The retail juggernaut sold modern kit homes, the financing to purchase them, the tools to repair them and the wares to furnish them.—
Domenica Bongiovanni,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Soon, the whole family was sent to Dilley, where medical personnel seemed poorly equipped to address his symptoms; Oksana saw the staff Googling them.—
Sarah Stillman,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
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That includes drones equipped with AI that could count hay bales or check for water leaks.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
13 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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The enforcement effort also included educating business owners on how to spot a skimmer.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
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Hengemuhle said that, as human beings, there is a responsibility to do everything possible to combat hate, which requires understanding and educating one another, as well as drawing on different policing and professional backgrounds.—
Amelie Botbol,
FOXNews.com,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Warm (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warm%20%28up%29. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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