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
New York Times, 22 July 2025
State and local officials said Tuesday the investigation into the fire will remain ongoing, but the preliminary evidence shows the cause of the fire was accidental.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 22 July 2025
Jim Varsallone, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Late preliminaries available on ESPN+, ESPN, Disney+, and ESPN Deportes at 8 p.m. ET.
—Jim Varsallone, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Adjective
All the police had to go on was that the woman had four visible tattoos and that a preliminary autopsy had revealed the child was her daughter.
—New York Times, 22 July 2025
State and local officials said Tuesday the investigation into the fire will remain ongoing, but the preliminary evidence shows the cause of the fire was accidental.
—Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 22 July 2025
Noun
Early preliminaries will air on ESPN+, Disney+, and UFC Fight Pass starting at 6 p.m. ET.
—Jim Varsallone, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
Late preliminaries available on ESPN+, ESPN, Disney+, and ESPN Deportes at 8 p.m. ET.
—Jim Varsallone, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preliminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary
Adjective
-
According to a Reuters report released Thursday, the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), the federal regulatory agency overseeing railroads, are already conducting preparatory work in anticipation of a possible two deals.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
25 July 2025
-
In an interview, Astin pointed to his years on national and L.A. Local boards and on five separate negotiating committees as key preparatory steps for the top job at SAG-AFTRA.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
While the most intense heat will center on Virginia and the Carolinas Thursday, temperatures will also climb across parts of the Northeast and central US in a prelude to next week’s more expansive and intense heat dome.—
Tyler Ory,
CNN Money,
18 June 2025
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An original amuse bouche of edible Yame tea, Yamanaka’s personalized version of a Japanese tea ceremony, is a prelude to an unforgettable dinner course at Viridis.—
Terry Elward,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
Adjective
-
Head coach of Mike Brown of the New York Knicks speaks to media during his introductory press conference at Knicks Training Facility on July 08, 2025 in Tarrytown, New York.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
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The apparent deletion was noticed on social media the same day that comments from Krauskopf's introductory press conference resurfaced.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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