as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
the couple's initial exchange of insults proved to be only a warm-up for their booze-fueled fight later that night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of warm (up)
Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
The Bernabeu is considered by many to be the most demanding crowd in the football world and whistles were heard last night as early as the pre-match warm-up.
—Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
But the inspector’s job doesn’t end after warm-ups.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
Before jumping into it, make sure to do a dynamic warm-up (like these two that feature bodyweight versions of the key movement patterns) to get your muscles primed and ready for the work ahead.
—Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for warm (up) 
Noun
The lobby, with its large fireplaces, is a super place to warm-up and have a cocktail before moving into the fine dining restaurant.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
The Bernabeu is considered by many to be the most demanding crowd in the football world and whistles were heard last night as early as the pre-match warm-up.
—Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
But the inspector’s job doesn’t end after warm-ups.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
Before jumping into it, make sure to do a dynamic warm-up (like these two that feature bodyweight versions of the key movement patterns) to get your muscles primed and ready for the work ahead.
—Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for warm (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warm (up)
Verb
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The three and a half years before then offer opportunities to provide additional safety measures that would improve prospects.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
26 Jan. 2025
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Darien Bell and Manuel Jones had plans to build on the lot and provide affordable housing for veterans in connection with their non-profit group Veterans & Community Resource Center.—
Ben Wieder,
Miami Herald,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
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At times, the session, which lasted over five hours, seemed to be a prelude to the as-yet unscheduled confirmation hearings for Kash Patel, Mr. Trump’s pick to run the F.B.I., which is part of the Justice Department.—
Glenn Thrush,
New York Times,
15 Jan. 2025
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What will happen with his fandom will be a prelude of what’s to come.—
Angela Watercutter,
WIRED,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Indianapolis Colts Tyler Warren | TE | Penn State Warren is a do-it-all tight end who can make plays from multiple alignments, supplying Anthony Richardson with a go-to target.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025
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What exactly we were being inspired to do, besides fire up Netflix or Apple TV+, remained unstated — an early red flag that this new kind of Hollywood power player could not be counted on to supply studios with an appetite for risk.—
Matt Brennan,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Verb
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The development was completed in just 132 working days, from the initial site preparation to the handover of keys to the client, a local council which will finish furnishing the homes and rent them to social housing tenants at an affordable price.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
22 Jan. 2025
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Each unit has floor-to-ceiling windows and furnished private terraces that take advantage of the panoramic views.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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His home in Cheshire is not just equipped with a gym and a pool, there are also cryotherapy and hyperbaric chambers.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
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More broadly, however, experts have told PEOPLE that urban infrastructure is not currently equipped to battle the kinds of firestorms like the one that swept through L.A. this month, fueled in large part by viciously strong winds.—
Charmaine Patterson,
People.com,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Five tanks armed with machine guns ran over one camp, according to the VA.—
Julia Marnin,
Miami Herald,
22 Jan. 2025
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Henderson walked into the school cafeteria armed with a pistol around 11 a.m., according to police.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Eaddy says the focus of the festival is to entertain, educate and inspire Black story tellers who have a desire to create stories of the struggles and the joys of the Black community.—
Kamal Morgan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Jan. 2025
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Face the facts as to what some Republicans believe about who should be educated, who should have the opportunities to advance themselves, who should have advanced degrees, who should be doctors and lawyers and engineers and scientists.—
Letters to the Editor,
Orlando Sentinel,
17 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near warm (up)
Cite this Entry
“Warm (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warm%20%28up%29. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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