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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The classes begin with gentle warm-ups before progressing to more challenging movements, voice exercises and walking drills that emphasize rhythm, a longer stride and stability. — Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026 Leading up to the Texas game, the former Orlando Jones standout appeared close to returning, but still seemed off to Sumrall during pre-game warm-ups. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026 Starting left tackle Elijah Paige had been scratched in pregame warm-ups at Penn State. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 Starter Aaron Philo’s availability will be determined via warm-ups this morning in Austin. — Michael Shapiro, Austin American Statesman, 17 Oct. 2026 Use the following four-part framework to customize your warm-ups to best meet your needs. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026 Last season, while in charge at Burnley, Scott Parker also played music during warm-ups and ball-work phases of sessions — and, like the Italian, his staff paused the tunes for tactical sessions. — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026 Morning workouts may boost mood, sleep, and weight loss, but require warm-ups and adequate fueling. — Health Editorial Team, HEALTH, 27 Aug. 2026 Kittle was back at practice and broke down the team huddle at the conclusion of warm-ups. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warm-ups
Noun
  • By her own admission, the preludes and parallels of a musical composition are woven into the very structure of the novel.
    — Sky Davis, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • This year’s Miss World competition recently made headlines during the preliminaries when Ugandan delegate Elle Muhoza made a powerful fashion statement.
    — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But all of that was just the preliminaries for Grady Emerson.
    — John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 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 14 Nov. 2026.

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