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 The Joint Budget Committee’s half-dozen members finished their extensive preparatory work on the annual spending plan last week. —
Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026 But diplomatic protocol ahead of a presidential visit to China usually sees either the US secretary of state or the national security advisor make a preparatory trip too, and that did not happen. —Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026 Before the performance, students participate in several preparatory rehearsals. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 This is common practice in modern warfare and an essential preparatory step before kinetic actions. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026 But diplomatic protocol ahead of a presidential visit to China usually sees either the US secretary of state or the national security advisor make a preparatory trip too, and that did not happen. —Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026 Before the performance, students participate in several preparatory rehearsals. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 This is common practice in modern warfare and an essential preparatory step before kinetic actions. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
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The preliminary investigation also found that the most severe damage was concentrated at the front of the aircraft, with the cockpit and forward cabin sustaining significant structural destruction.— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
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Reiner, 32, is awaiting his preliminary hearing on May 29 after being charged in connection with the murders of his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and wife, Michele Singer Reiner.— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The class would enable students to gain specialized skills needed for employment after graduation or for further post-secondary training, a memo from the district said, and would also provide students with opportunities to teach other students in the district’s introductory welding course.— Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
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Sign up today for How to Talk To People At Work and use the coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 20% off the regular course price of $57 (plus tax).— CNBC Make It staff, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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