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
Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Where to collect, what to collect, how to collect, how to analyze
China's final pick of a landing zone will rely on a review of 86 preliminary landing sites.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 29 June 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
The judge set a preliminary injunction hearing for July 24, in which both sides will argue the merits of the case.
—Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
Where to collect, what to collect, how to collect, how to analyze
China's final pick of a landing zone will rely on a review of 86 preliminary landing sites.
—Leonard David, Space.com, 29 June 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
-
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
-
Israel and Hamas were to begin negotiations on the cease-fire’s second phase in early February, but only preparatory talks have been held.—
Samy Magdy,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The event will serve as a prelude to the main iHeartCountry Festival show later that evening at 7 p.m. the Moody Center.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
-
Yet the Southern California scores were a modest prelude to the job in Lebec.—
Daniel Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
17 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
-
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 18 Jul. 2025.
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