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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preliminary
Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 3 Apr. 2025
According to state housing law, developers are have 180 days after submitting a preliminary application to submit a full application for a builder’s remedy housing project, or their preliminary application will expire.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025
Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Sponsored by the Miss Montgomery County Organization, the Miss Bethesda’s Teen title serves as a preliminary to the Miss Maryland and Miss America competitions.
—Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Adjective
McElroy, who was appointed by President Trump, suggested scheduling a hearing for the preliminary injunction on April 13 but left it up to the attorneys to come to an agreement.
—Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 3 Apr. 2025
According to state housing law, developers are have 180 days after submitting a preliminary application to submit a full application for a builder’s remedy housing project, or their preliminary application will expire.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
Sophomore Charlie Cutts was the only Saber to make the finals (top eight) in an individual event from the preliminaries Feb. 21.
—Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Sponsored by the Miss Montgomery County Organization, the Miss Bethesda’s Teen title serves as a preliminary to the Miss Maryland and Miss America competitions.
—Susan Soldavin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary
Adjective
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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
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Those were narrowed down to just three this week: time between teacher evaluations, additional elementary instructional preparatory time and raises for veteran teachers.—
Nell Salzman,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Neither side wants war and both sides appear to treat this as a prelude to negotiations.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
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New rules from the U.S. government mean library officials must as of Monday limit access via the Canadian side to staff and people with disabilities, as a prelude to closing it off entirely later this year, library officials told USA TODAY.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA TODAY,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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For various introductory examples and further detailed indications about generating prompts prompting, see my coverage at the link here.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Completing an introductory period does not guarantee continued employment.—
Dan Eaton,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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