Definition of preparatorynext
as in preliminary
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows a preparatory investigation to see if there is enough evidence to warrant bringing charges

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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 preparatory As economist and Opportunity@Work founder Byron Auguste has noted, when policymakers, employers and parents all realized that the shifting job landscape required a different preparatory path, states passed compulsory education laws. Tim Knowles, Fortune, 8 July 2026 Another measure to speed up the preparatory studies proposes that when a power plant operator and a large load customer of a similar size both apply for access to the grid, only one study of the impact of both players joining should be conducted, rather than sequential studies. IEEE Spectrum, 24 June 2026 Separate preparatory meetings with each side are set to take place in Doha this week, ahead of the official signing in Switzerland and the start of the technical talks, the diplomat said. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 15 June 2026 Anthem’s services cover all stages of drug development, including research, testing, preparatory work for clinical trials and the manufacture of pharmaceutical ingredients. Anu Raghunathan, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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
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

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Cite this Entry

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

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