as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
we need to do some preliminary research in order to properly focus the experiment
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
a meeting to discuss seating arrangements that was merely a preliminary to the formal negotiating sessions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples of preliminary in a Sentence
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Recent Examples on the Web
Antonia Hitchens, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
Finally, on Friday, the preliminary consumer sentiment index will be released, offering a glimpse into consumer confidence levels.
—Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 3 Nov. 2024
Paul McCardell, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2024
On the national level, the competition is in four phases: preliminaries, quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.
—Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for preliminary 
Adjective
Trump also likes to make an entrance from the air, often flying over his rallies as a preliminary greeting.
—Antonia Hitchens, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024
Finally, on Friday, the preliminary consumer sentiment index will be released, offering a glimpse into consumer confidence levels.
—Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
Born in Baltimore and a graduate of Mount St. Joseph High School, swimmer Tommy Hannan won gold as a swimmer in the preliminaries of the Sydney 2000 400 medley relay, which was won by teammates swimming in the finals.
—Paul McCardell, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2024
On the national level, the competition is in four phases: preliminaries, quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.
—Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 28 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for preliminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary
Adjective
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Basically, those are college prep courses in history/social science, English, math, a foreign language, a laboratory science, visual and performing arts, and a college preparatory elective.Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
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Whenever meteorologists begin mentioning a storm in the Gulf, Atlanta’s Office of Emergency Preparedness springs into preparatory action, Dickens said.Jane Thier, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2024
Noun
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As a somewhat unusual prelude to the typical recording process, Spencer invited me to experience Hyperia, a notorious ride at Thorpe Park and the UK’s highest and fastest rollercoaster.Caroline Casey, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
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But the games were just the prelude to an even bigger outcry from fans and critics.Abraham Josephine Riesman, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024
Adjective
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At the Madison Square Garden rally in New York last month, Trump surrogate Vivek Ramaswamy said during his introductory remarks that the Empire State was a 2024 swing state, a projection that Democrats aren't buying.David Jackson, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024
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Lastly, place your introductory $5 bet on Bucs vs. Chiefs or any other game.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near preliminary
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
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