PREPARATIVE Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

preparative

adjective

Definition of preparative

as in preparatory

coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows preparative warning that the injection was going to cause a modest amount of pain

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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 preparative Just weeks after announcing a plan (or at least the preparative study of a plan) to reconstruct Park Avenue in its premodern, superior form, the city has just revealed a major makeover for Fifth. — Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2024 One such approach involves utilizing advanced chromatography techniques like flash chromatography or preparative HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography). — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Aug. 2023 Using photography as a preparative tool as well as an art form later in life reveals Degas to have been a more progressive artist that was willing to experiment. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2019 Gordon explains that the body has quite a bit of pre-labor preparative work to do. — Tanya Ward Goodman, Orange County Register, 5 June 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparative

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

Adjective

Iriarte-Valdez waived his right to a speedy preliminary hearing.

— Maddie White, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
The grand jury indictment is a major step toward trial and allows prosecutors to skip California’s preliminary hearing process, where evidence is publicly aired.

— Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of preliminary

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preparations

preparative

preparatory

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“Preparative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparative. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of preparative

adjective

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