preparatory
adjective
pre·pa·ra·to·ry
pri-ˈper-ə-ˌtȯr-ē 
also ˈpre-p(ə-)rə-,
pri-ˈpa-rə-
: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory
Examples of preparatory in a Sentence
There is a lot of preparatory work involved in teaching.
a preparatory investigation to see if there is enough evidence to warrant bringing charges
Recent Examples on the Web
The overdraft rule, which the consumer bureau finalized in December after years of preparatory work, was scheduled to take effect in late 2025.
—
Stacy Cowley, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Of those five, sources close to negotiations say the biggest point of conflict Monday was a debate over preparatory time for elementary school teachers.
—Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
Although Ukraine’s accession to the alliance has been controversial, there is precedent for members being brought in without lengthy delay or an elaborate preparatory process.
—Stephen Hadley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2025
Four preparatory sketches on view are among fewer than a dozen surviving examples and illustrate the continuity and interconnectedness of his projects over several decades.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
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Stacy Cowley, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Of those five, sources close to negotiations say the biggest point of conflict Monday was a debate over preparatory time for elementary school teachers.
—Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
Although Ukraine’s accession to the alliance has been controversial, there is precedent for members being brought in without lengthy delay or an elaborate preparatory process.
—Stephen Hadley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2025
Four preparatory sketches on view are among fewer than a dozen surviving examples and illustrate the continuity and interconnectedness of his projects over several decades.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preparatory. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preparatory
adjective
pre·pa·ra·to·ry
pri-ˈpar-ə-ˌtōr-ē
-ˌtȯr-
-ˌtȯr-
: preparing or serving to prepare for something : introductory
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