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 They were discovered during preparatory work for road construction. CBS News, 28 Dec. 2025 In climate lingo, that means taking preparatory measures and climate-proofing infrastructure. Justin Worland, Time, 18 Dec. 2025 Pacific Ridge School, an independent, co-ed, college preparatory day school in Carlsbad, started its 19th academic year with the Annual Trustee Dinner. News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Oct. 2025 Those preparatory projects included the installation of new capping roofs to weatherproof the buildings for a long period of care and maintenance, as well as the rerouting of electrical supplies and de-planting of boiler equipment. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
  • Today brings preliminary matches for women’s ice hockey, qualification runs for men’s big-air snowboarding, and, of course, more curling, which is the only sport industrious enough to have events every day through the Olympics.
    The Editors, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2026
  • For instance, Irvine recently passed a preliminary e-bike law that strikes us as needlessly heavy handed.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Register now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 20% off.
    Lizzie Assa, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Three of her friends joined her introductory lesson on a recent Friday evening, along with this reporter.
    Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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