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

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

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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 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of preparative

adjective

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