PRELIMINARY Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words

preliminary 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈli-mə-ˌner-ē

Definition of preliminary

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

preliminary

2 of 2

noun

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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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of preliminary

Adjective

Because of the uncertainty of the Cup schedule beyond the preliminary round, Thursday’s release of the full NBA schedule will include only 80 of the 82-regular-season games for each team. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026 To be sure, the latest Social Security COLA estimates are preliminary and subject to change. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026

Noun

His preliminary is scheduled to begin May 26. — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026 Tickets to the mixed archery preliminary set me back $110 each, then $85 each for the mixed equestrian preliminary. — Personal Finance Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preliminary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preliminary

Adjective

Prince Gabriel, 22, completed a one-year preparatory course at the National Mathematics & Science College in England before graduating from the Royal Military Academy of Belgium.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
The Western Cape High Court judgment on Friday does not stop the impeachment committee from doing other preparatory work for the pending proceedings.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026

Definition of preparatory

Noun

Marvel services fans with a bevy of delightful Easter eggs, but the film works better as an extended prelude to Endgame than as its own story.

— EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026
As much as Baker tried to keep his focus on Kent, however, many kept telling him that this visit was a prelude to his induction next summer.

— Jose de Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

Definition of prelude

Browse Nearby Words

preliminarily

preliminary

prelude

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“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of preliminary

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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