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
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
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, 27 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
Routines are practiced before the gates open the morning of a day game, then again during warm-ups.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 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
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
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, 27 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
Routines are practiced before the gates open the morning of a day game, then again during warm-ups.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 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 10 Sep. 2025.
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