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
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Recent Examples of warm (up)
Sean MacAday,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2026
Joola, founded in 1952, will provide the tables across the US Smash competition, including the show courts, warm-up areas and practice facilities.
—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
26 June 2026
Unlike television, in books, you’re allowed the grace of a longer warm-up.
—
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
Starter Michael Soroka left before the second inning with posterior hip discomfort sustained throwing warm-up pitches.
—
CBS News,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Noun
Saturday is colder still, warm-up begins Sunday On Saturday, high temps will only reach the mid to upper 70s for much of the Central Valley between Sacramento and Modesto amid a few more morning clouds.
—
Sean MacAday,
Sacbee.com,
26 June 2026
Joola, founded in 1952, will provide the tables across the US Smash competition, including the show courts, warm-up areas and practice facilities.
—
Sportico Staff,
Sportico.com,
26 June 2026
Unlike television, in books, you’re allowed the grace of a longer warm-up.
—
Literary Hub,
25 June 2026
Starter Michael Soroka left before the second inning with posterior hip discomfort sustained throwing warm-up pitches.
—
CBS News,
20 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warm (up)
Verb
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Stroll the historic downtown for antiques, art, and more, all while the adjacent Truckee River provides a natural soundtrack.
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The state also provides a $20 per month taxable subsidy for workers who commute using a bike for at least half of work days each month.
Noun
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Analysts widely believe Monday’s announcement is a prelude to eventual sales of both Comcast and NBCUniversal, a theory that Comcast rejects.
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The current ceasefire is likely a prelude to the next round of war.
Verb
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During the pandemic, the company started supplying medical apparel to hospitals and schools, and the business took off, with revenue doubling in 2020, Beig said.
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The crypto members supply what the banks and merchants cannot.
Noun
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The meet continues Thursday, a day consisting largely of women’s preliminaries, followed by men’s finals Friday and women’s finals Saturday.
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Hernandez, now a Southern Section champion again, along with all the other winners will move onto the CIF preliminaries next Saturday to face the rest of the state's top female jumpers, with a chance to get back to the state finals.
Verb
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Beyond that, $3 million in surplus goods has been used to furnish Homewards homes, and 250 people have been supported into stable employment, per the publication.
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Comcast did not furnish an estimate on the market-capitalization value of the two companies.
Verb
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The result is uncommon room layouts like the tri-suite king room equipped with two twin-sized beds and a king bed split by a privacy divider that doubles as a playful art installation.
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Some locations have tables equipped with leash hooks and water bowls.
Verb
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Congress has pledged to better arm Taiwan, giving preliminary approval to a $14 billion arms sales package.
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The decision to end the core pillar of Europe’s largest defense project comes at a time when Western military officials have warned of a growing threat from Russia and the US is stepping up pressure for Europe to re-arm itself.
Verb
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Its young people are increasingly educated and ambitious but many are frustrated over fierce competition for limited jobs.
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During the two decades of American occupation, Afghanistan experienced a sort of peace, one in which women could be educated, work as professionals, and even serve in the military.
Cite this Entry
“Warm (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warm%20%28up%29. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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