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
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Recent Examples of warm (up)
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 July 2025
Plum — still with an exercise band around her legs from warm-ups — then took a photo with the fan.
—Grace Jordan-Weinstein, People.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Verb
The state’s hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup, which culminates Sunday in the final between Paris-Saint Germain and Chelsea, has served as a warm-up for the main global spectacle.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 July 2025
Plum — still with an exercise band around her legs from warm-ups — then took a photo with the fan.
—Grace Jordan-Weinstein, People.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warm (up)
Noun
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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
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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
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Those wishing to provide monetary support to Heinz's parents, Shane and Amber, can do so through either Venmo or PayPal (daniellefaskell@gmail.com).—
Chris Ramirez,
jsonline.com,
26 July 2025
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For now, sustainability reporting regulations only require companies to provide information.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Only one apartment; huge, but richly furnished, and the nervous owner wanted $200 per month.—
John Updike,
New Yorker,
11 July 2025
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East meets west at the Setai Miami Beach, where rooms are furnished in teak woods and an Asian art deco design.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 July 2025
Verb
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The fresh sneaker treats a beloved On silhouette to Loewe’s high-end designer sensibilities and is equipped with signature Speedboard technology capable of boosting runners’ speed while doling out all-day comfort, as well as a cushy Zero-Gravity foam midsole that absorbs impact.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
23 July 2025
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Each building is projected to cost between $3.5 and $4 million and will come equipped with high-level security cameras, keypad locks, and motion detectors.—
India Roby,
Architectural Digest,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Creeping through the night, armed with a knife, Bryan Kohberger stalked them like helpless prey.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
20 July 2025
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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
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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
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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 29 Jul. 2025.
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