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
Relevance
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
Nayeli Jaramillo-Plata, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025
Meanwhile, preliminary gross domestic product figures for Japan, and the second estimate for the euro zone, come out Monday and Wednesday, respectively.
—Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025
Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for preliminary 
Adjective
Husain is scheduled for a preliminary hearing within the next 60 to 90 days, according to Andrews.
—Nayeli Jaramillo-Plata, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025
Meanwhile, preliminary gross domestic product figures for Japan, and the second estimate for the euro zone, come out Monday and Wednesday, respectively.
—Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
The two athletes set the stage for fierce competition during the qualification round on Aug. 28, with Andrade finishing second to Biles in the all-around preliminaries.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for preliminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary
Adjective
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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
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One preparatory step for many of us: Clearing out the sticky willies, hedge parsley and crab grass that snuck into our garden beds during late February.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American-Statesman,
6 Mar. 2024
Noun
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For the past 11 seasons, being named the AP first-team All-Pro quarterback was a prelude to winning the NFL’s MVP award.—
Josh Dubow,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
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In an interview with Politico on Monday, Caruso denied that the non-profit is a prelude to a new campaign.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The Heat will hold an introductory press conference for Wiggins, Mitchell and Kyle Anderson on Sunday at 9 a.m. at Kaseya Center ahead of their first practice with the team.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
9 Feb. 2025
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Rather than injecting the regular introductory weekly dose, people are only taking half that amount or less.—
Beth Landman,
The Hollywood Reporter,
8 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near preliminary
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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