warm (up) 1 of 2

Definition of warm (up)next
as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event the couple's initial exchange of insults proved to be only a warm-up for their booze-fueled fight later that night

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 warm (up)
Noun
From the first warm-up to the final push, consider the Atlantic Hustle & Grit Movement Mix (listen HERE) a soundtrack for wherever your own momentum takes you and sign up at your local Planet Fitness with code ATLANTICFMF to keep moving. Brittney Williams, Billboard, 25 Aug. 2026 Kittle was back at practice and broke down the team huddle at the conclusion of warm-ups. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026 In the first moments of the first episode, Simon is doing these actor warm-ups. Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 20 Aug. 2026 The first two episodes of this season served as a kind of warm-up, catching us up with Ted and introducing us to the new team, but that’s clearly over. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warm (up)
Verb
  • The bike also has a programmable control system that can provide functions such as boost, wheel-lift assistance, speed limiting and what Bonnell calls E-Clutch functionality (more on that later).
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Along with performances from Chappell Roan, Doechii and more, the festival provided a space where attendees could connect directly with the festival’s nonprofit partners and hear more about the issues and communities at the center of their work.
    Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
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
Verb
  • Taylor Farms says 40% of salad kits sold at grocery stores come from the company, giving it a massive role in supplying a convenient and cheap vegetable option for many shoppers.
    Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The deep muck provides a cap for the shallow aquifer, helping to clean and filter freshwater that supplies drinking water for Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe and parts of Palm Beach County.
    Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Used to last-minute quick changes, Becker recalls preliminaries from this year’s state pageant.
    Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026
  • But all of that was just the preliminaries for Grady Emerson.
    John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • The disclosure, furnished by the nonprofit group Whistleblower Aid, claimed that the Postal Service built its Federal Ballot Mail Portal under an unrealistic timetable, failed to test it adequately, and could delay large ballot mailings.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The kitchen is nearby and is furnished with custom cabinetry offering lots of storage, along with a neat dining table that folds out when needed.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Charo urged the government to ensure that hospitals are well-equipped to handle complications during childbirth, and to not leave frantic families waiting for information.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Whether supporting the Trident missile or other systems throughout the fleet, NSWC Corona’s work equips sailors with the confidence to trust their systems — empowering them to deliver peace through strength when the nation depends on them most.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Also on Wednesday, Salesforce announced a plugin for Anthropic's Claude that can compose emails on behalf of salespeople, arm them with information and update records through chat.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Wise leaders create cultures that arm employees with the capacity, authority, and encouragement to deliver customer experiences with a surprise.
    Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • During the tasting experience, experts will educate attendees on the process and history behind each whiskey.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As one of the world’s leading manta ray research organizations, The Manta Trust is dedicated to educating and conserving habitats for these majestic creatures.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Warm (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warm%20%28up%29. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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