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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

That was after a group of states led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed to block the deal on antitrust grounds — and before preliminary settlement talks between the California AG and Paramount seemed to fall apart earlier this week. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 Carter’s preliminary hearing was initially scheduled on June 6, but it was vacated and rescheduled last week. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Noun

His preliminary is scheduled to begin May 26. — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 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

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
Cooper—who is reportedly in Paris to film a prelude to Ocean’s Eleven with Margot Robbie—was not pictured.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of prelude

Adjective

Jones and Feliciano won their introductory press conference Monday, creating a level of engagement and connection that topped even the public introductions of Moores and Lucchino in 1995 and the Seidler-Ron Fowler group in 2012.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
WYouth magazine’s Ava Nirui, a friend of the designer, conducted the in-book interview with Liang, and actress and close friend Greta Lee penned the introductory letter.

— Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of introductory

Browse Nearby Words

preliminarily

preliminary

prelude

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preliminary. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of preliminary

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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