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
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preliminary
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
There was also a preliminary report of 6 inches of snow near La Porte, Texas, southeast of Houston.
—Jeff Martin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024
Born in Baltimore and a graduate of Mount St. Joseph High School, swimmer Tommy Hannan won gold as a swimmer in the preliminaries of the Sydney 2000 400 medley relay, which was won by teammates swimming in the finals.
—Paul McCardell, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for preliminary 
Adjective
In both of those cases, the courts declined to issue a preliminary injunction on behalf of plaintiffs challenging the constitutionality of the CTA.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
There was also a preliminary report of 6 inches of snow near La Porte, Texas, southeast of Houston.
—Jeff Martin, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
The two athletes set the stage for fierce competition during the qualification round on Aug. 28, with Andrade finishing second to Biles in the all-around preliminaries.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024
Born in Baltimore and a graduate of Mount St. Joseph High School, swimmer Tommy Hannan won gold as a swimmer in the preliminaries of the Sydney 2000 400 medley relay, which was won by teammates swimming in the finals.
—Paul McCardell, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for preliminary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary
Adjective
-
The resolution called for a concrete process consisting of preparatory sessions in 2026 and 2027, and three-week negotiations in 2028 and 2029, where a treaty will be finalized.—
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
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The ultimate sources of that water — three tanks each with a capacity of roughly 1 million gallons — were filled as a preparatory measure before the fires broke out, city authorities say.—
Niall Stanage,
The Hill,
9 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The current system could be a possible prelude to a full voucher program, which is up for debate now in the Legislature.—
Alec MacGillis,
ProPublica,
30 Jan. 2025
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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
Adjective
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Speaking to the media at his introductory press conference as the Atlanta Falcons' new defensive coordinator, Ulbrich was asked to reflect on his period with the Jets after taking over as head coach once Robert Saleh was fired just five games into the season.—
Paulina Dedaj,
Fox News,
28 Jan. 2025
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Lynch, who played for Carroll during their successful years together with the Seattle Seahawks, was in attendance at Carroll's introductory press conference in Las Vegas on Monday.—
Barbara A. Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near preliminary
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.
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