pre·lim·i·nary
pri-ˈli-mə-ˌner-ē 
: coming before and usually forming a necessary prelude to something else
preliminary studies
preliminary results
plural preliminaries
: something that precedes or is introductory or preparatory: such as
a
: a preliminary heat or trial (as of a race)
b
: a minor match preceding the main event (as of a boxing card)
c
: a preliminary scholastic examination
d
Synonyms
Examples of preliminary in a Sentence
Adjective
Preliminary findings show that the drug could help patients with skin cancer.
The team was eliminated in the preliminary round of the tournament.
research that is preliminary to the study
Noun
a meeting to discuss seating arrangements that was merely a preliminary to the formal negotiating sessions
Recent Examples on the Web
Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024
But now that the breakup has come — after a preliminary and all-but-final injunction from a Manhattan federal judge — experts said Tapestry is able to move on, keep building on its successful Coach business, and maybe even buy something else.
—Evan Clark, WWD, 25 Oct. 2024
Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 21 Sep. 2024
Macdonald, a 23-time X Games champion, zipped through the skate park during the preliminaries, showing off flashy moves, including a Madonna and a body varial 540.
—NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preliminary 
Adjective
Police testified at Mapp’s preliminary hearing that when he was arrested, Mapp claimed that Downs had threatened him with a knife.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024
But now that the breakup has come — after a preliminary and all-but-final injunction from a Manhattan federal judge — experts said Tapestry is able to move on, keep building on its successful Coach business, and maybe even buy something else.
—Evan Clark, WWD, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
In 1988: Greg Louganis won the gold medal in the 3-meter springboard at the Seoul Olympics one day after hitting his head on the diving board during the preliminaries.
—Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 21 Sep. 2024
Macdonald, a 23-time X Games champion, zipped through the skate park during the preliminaries, showing off flashy moves, including a Madonna and a body varial 540.
—NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preliminary
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preliminary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near preliminary
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preliminary. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preliminary
1 of 2 noun
pre·lim·i·nary
pri-ˈlim-ə-ˌner-ē
plural preliminaries
: something preliminary
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