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
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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
Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
But again, the data is preliminary as the flu season is still ongoing, and there can be lags in reporting.
—Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025
Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 21 Sep. 2024
Macdonald, a 23-time X Games champion, zipped through the skate park during the preliminaries, showing off flashy moves, including a Madonna and a body varial 540.
—NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Adjective
But Republicans said Medicaid was not listed specifically in the preliminary budget framework, which The Associated Press verified.
—Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
But again, the data is preliminary as the flu season is still ongoing, and there can be lags in reporting.
—Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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
Macdonald, a 23-time X Games champion, zipped through the skate park during the preliminaries, showing off flashy moves, including a Madonna and a body varial 540.
—NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary
Adjective
-
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
-
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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The spring ingredients were the prelude to sunnier days to come.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
WWD,
26 Feb. 2025
-
The evening, which served as a prelude to Saturday’s main event, recognized behind-the-scenes brilliance and breakout performances, setting the stage for a weekend of celebration.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Del Rey’s introductory full-length pushes five spots on the Official Albums chart, up to No. 55.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
-
The pair re-teamed at the Academy Awards the following year for the broadcast’s introductory sketch, which featured Palance dragging a giant Oscar statue onstage, with Crystal (again the host) riding it.—
Jordan Runtagh,
People.com,
2 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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