precursory

adjective

as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows instantly recognized that chilled feeling as one of the precursory symptoms of a cold

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 precursory This precursory knowledge came in handy when flipping through Assayas’ and Emmanuel Carrère’s Kremlin script. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for precursory
  1. preparatory
  2. preliminary
  3. introductory
Adjective
  • Baniewicz was hired by Bishop Miege in 2023 after serving nearly 14 years as president of Maur Hill-Mount Academy, a college preparatory boarding school in Atchison.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of preparatory
Adjective
  • The judge issued his ruling at the conclusion of a court session Tuesday, which continued the preliminary hearing that was largely held over a week in early July before a nearly two-month recess to prepare for closing arguments.
    — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The prosecution and defense both gave closing arguments Tuesday during the second preliminary hearing since July, which is a limited purpose proceeding held for a judge to determine whether the charges are justified.
    — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of preliminary
Adjective
  • When model Tricia Helfer came in for a touch-up before an introductory visit to her boyfriend’s parents, Johns toned down her bright blonde chunks to play up her naturally innocent looks.
    — Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
  • While Happy Head offers introductory costs at $36 for the topical solution and supplements, the prices increase substantially after the first month.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of introductory

Browse Nearby Words

precursors
precursory
predaceous
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Precursory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/precursory. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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