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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

The gauge data are considered preliminary as the geological survey and weather service work to verify the totals and examine any potential equipment failures during the sudden onslaught of the water. — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 Fourth District Court Judge Tony Graf speaks during closing arguments for the preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, on Tuesday. — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 1 Sep. 2026

Noun

Tennyson never made it to the Southern Section track preliminaries after winning the league title. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 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

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

Noun

In 1996, when the first three novels were reprinted again, Kennedy appended a prelude that reads like an account of the cycle’s evolution—except that the author of these books is identified as Billy Phelan’s nephew Daniel Quinn.

— Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Pendry Park City Park City, UT Park City is a world-class resort town and year-round destination where hiking and biking are a prelude to an exciting nightlife.

— Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of prelude

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

preliminarily

preliminary

prelude

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Style

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

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Synonyms of preliminary

adjective

noun

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