warm-ups

plural of warm-up
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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of warm-ups As Summit players had passed through the southeast gate and into warm-ups, the crowd pushed closer to the barriers. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 18 July 2026 The league will take another reading about an hour before pre-game warm-ups to determine if any further steps are needed, according to a league spokesperson. Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 15 July 2026 Proper warm-ups and nutrition are universally essential, especially after breaks, to ensure player safety and career longevity. Dr. Tal Patalon, Forbes.com, 5 July 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 The New Jersey preteen was struck in the neck by a baseball during pregame warm-ups with Maple Shade Youth Baseball on May 26. Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026 Made from a breathable, sweat-wicking fabric, these versatile pants are perfect for light activities like long walks, warm-ups, running errands, and busy travel days. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026 Temperatures are expected to ramp up across Southern California this weekend, with some valley warm-ups expected to approach 100 degrees, just in time for Mother’s Day. Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026 The weather service office in New York said pronounced warm-ups are expected Monday with above-normal temperatures through most of the week. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warm-ups
preliminaries
Noun
  • But all of that was just the preliminaries for Grady Emerson.
    John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
  • The meet continues Thursday, a day consisting largely of women’s preliminaries, followed by men’s finals Friday and women’s finals Saturday.
    Mike Wilson, New York Times, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Warm-ups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warm-ups. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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