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 Return provided a world big enough to encompass both the lo-fi hijinks of the Twin Peaks sheriff’s department and the utter darkness of hell on Earth.—
K. Austin Collins,
The Atlantic,
7 Feb. 2025
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But O’Hara added that consent decrees do provide police departments with additional resources needed to implement reforms.—
Deena Zaru,
ABC News,
7 Feb. 2025
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
Verb
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The legislation was akin to the World War II Lend-Lease Act, in which equipment is supplied at no cost and is to be used until returned or destroyed.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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Indeed, Lillian Ross’s became the cool tone of American journalism for the next fifty years, as Tom Wolfe supplied its hot one.—
Adam Gopnik,
The New Yorker,
10 Feb. 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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To that end, the university’s Basic Needs Services office, which furnishes a variety of programs and support to help Titans experiencing unforeseen financial hardship, is offering Financial Wellness Peer Mentoring.—
Contributing Writer,
Orange County Register,
14 Feb. 2025
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From mid-century modern bed frames to high-quality outdoor tables for al fresco hosting, this comprehensive sale boasts enough deals to furnish virtually any space.—
Blake Bakkila,
Architectural Digest,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The trucks are equipped with chrome front grille deflectors that may fracture and may detach from the vehicle, according to the recall report.—
James Powel,
USA TODAY,
18 Feb. 2025
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It’s equipped with 16GB of RAM, great for gaming, streaming, or working creatively.—
StackCommerce Team (Sponsored),
PCMAG,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, armed with a translation device developed by sympathetic science crew member Dorothy (Patsy Ferran), Mickey 17 defies Marshall’s leadership to warn the creepers, who have their own resilient means of retaliation.—
David Rooney,
The Hollywood Reporter,
15 Feb. 2025
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Take one down, pass it around: The handmaids are arming themselves for a revolution in the first look at the final season of The Handmaid's Tale.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
12 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Danica McKellar is aiming to educate and entertain young readers in a new kids book.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
10 Feb. 2025
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Since before Trump was inaugurated Jan. 20, immigrant advocacy groups in Chicago have been trying to educate community members on their rights, for example that constitutional protections against self-incrimination apply to all people on U.S. soil, including undocumented immigrants.—
Peter Breen,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 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 20 Feb. 2025.
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