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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of preliminary
Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
My preliminary tests with both SDR and HDR input showed that Vivid, Standard, and User modes were the only three that handled shadow detail well.
—PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Adjective
More than two mayoral candidates would trigger a preliminary election, on Sept. 9, to whittle down the field to two finalists for the Nov. 4 general election.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
My preliminary tests with both SDR and HDR input showed that Vivid, Standard, and User modes were the only three that handled shadow detail well.
—PCMAG, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
The Southern Section held its track and field preliminaries at four sites around Southern California on Saturday, and sophomore Brian Bonner of Valencia High continued his rise to prominence.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary
Adjective
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This method can temporarily manage symptoms or serve as a preparatory step before a more comprehensive surgical procedure.11 2.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
24 Dec. 2024
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But this time measures like the travel ban were replaced by more methodical reviews and preparatory actions that could serve as the precursors to such policies while putting them on more solid legal footing.—
Jonathan Blitzer,
The New Yorker,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Indeed, Saudi officials may view their engagement with U.S. officials over Ukraine as the prelude to further diplomatic cooperation.—
Kristian Coates Ulrichsen,
The Conversation,
14 Mar. 2025
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This is all prelude; the story begins for real with NCAA Tournament Selection Sunday.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Known as an offensive mind, Albin spoke about the signal-caller position at his introductory press conference.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2025
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Spirit Airlines is offering one-way flights within the US to select destinations with introductory fares as low as $43 if booked between March 16 and March 18.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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