as in preludes
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-ups
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers high fives Laken Tomlinson #75 during warm-ups to the NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona.
—
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
While some raindrops were felt, the skies cleared quickly, and as the usual halftime clock expired, both the Broncos' and Titans' special teams came out for their warm-ups pretty much on schedule.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025
Each song will be a chance to focus on an expansive breath, an engaged core and an open throat, through warm-ups and guidance.
—Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 1 Sep. 2025
Kelce, who played football for the Bearcats, spent plenty of time on the field during warm-ups in a red-and-white striped sweater before retreating to a suite for the game.
—Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
Cherki and Phil Foden, the two technical creators in the squad, have bonded by becoming the go-to partner for each other in warm-ups, trying to outdo one another with their juggling and long diagonals to test each other’s touch.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
Kelce appeared to be in a good mood during warm-ups and engaged with fans.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Melanie Herrera and Andrew David Bridges have found a special corner of the internet creating custom vocal warm-ups that are entertaining and factual.
—Bryan West, The Tennessean, 8 Aug. 2025
James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
While some raindrops were felt, the skies cleared quickly, and as the usual halftime clock expired, both the Broncos' and Titans' special teams came out for their warm-ups pretty much on schedule.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025
Each song will be a chance to focus on an expansive breath, an engaged core and an open throat, through warm-ups and guidance.
—Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 1 Sep. 2025
Kelce, who played football for the Bearcats, spent plenty of time on the field during warm-ups in a red-and-white striped sweater before retreating to a suite for the game.
—Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025
Cherki and Phil Foden, the two technical creators in the squad, have bonded by becoming the go-to partner for each other in warm-ups, trying to outdo one another with their juggling and long diagonals to test each other’s touch.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
Kelce appeared to be in a good mood during warm-ups and engaged with fans.
—Angel Saunders, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025
Melanie Herrera and Andrew David Bridges have found a special corner of the internet creating custom vocal warm-ups that are entertaining and factual.
—Bryan West, The Tennessean, 8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Warm-ups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warm-ups. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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