as in preliminary
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
a preparatory investigation to see if there is enough evidence to warrant bringing charges
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Recent Examples of preparatory
Each participant had, before receiving the psilocybin dose, undergone two preparatory therapy sessions.
—
New Atlas, 21 June 2025
Although Ukraine’s accession to the alliance has been controversial, there is precedent for members being brought in without lengthy delay or an elaborate preparatory process.
—Stephen Hadley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2025
Four preparatory sketches on view are among fewer than a dozen surviving examples and illustrate the continuity and interconnectedness of his projects over several decades.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
But those negotiations have not begun — there have only been preparatory talks — and the first phase has been jolted by one dispute after another.
—Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
New Atlas, 21 June 2025
Although Ukraine’s accession to the alliance has been controversial, there is precedent for members being brought in without lengthy delay or an elaborate preparatory process.
—Stephen Hadley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Mar. 2025
Four preparatory sketches on view are among fewer than a dozen surviving examples and illustrate the continuity and interconnectedness of his projects over several decades.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
But those negotiations have not begun — there have only been preparatory talks — and the first phase has been jolted by one dispute after another.
—Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
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Vinson was scheduled to have her preliminary examination in Washtenaw County's 14A-1 District Court, when Judge Cedric Simpson would have decided whether there's enough evidence against her to send the case to trial.—
Andrea May Sahouri,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
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The Air Force study's preliminary findings indicated troops in the nuclear missile community don't have higher cancer diagnosis or death rates than other active duty servicemembers or the general U.S. population.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
Adjective
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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
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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