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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of warm (up)
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 July 2025
Plum — still with an exercise band around her legs from warm-ups — then took a photo with the fan.
—Grace Jordan-Weinstein, People.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Verb
The state’s hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup, which culminates Sunday in the final between Paris-Saint Germain and Chelsea, has served as a warm-up for the main global spectacle.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 10 July 2025
Plum — still with an exercise band around her legs from warm-ups — then took a photo with the fan.
—Grace Jordan-Weinstein, People.com, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for warm (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warm (up)
Noun
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The festival also offers an array of free events, including open rehearsals, conversations with artists, coaching workshops and musical prelude events.—
Beth Wood,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 July 2025
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Last month, the administration brokered a peace deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda — widely seen as a prelude to a rare earth minerals deal.—
Jewel Bright,
NPR,
9 July 2025
Verb
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For now, sustainability reporting regulations only require companies to provide information.—
Jon McGowan,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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Those wishing to provide monetary support to Heinz's parents, Shane and Amber, can do so through either Venmo or PayPal (daniellefaskell@gmail.com).—
Chris Ramirez,
jsonline.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
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Today's listen Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The Scripps National Spelling Bee is celebrating its 100th anniversary this week, with preliminaries kicking off last night.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
28 May 2025
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Sports High School Sports News See who qualified from Thursday's preliminaries for the CIFSS Division 1 finals on Saturday at Mt. SAC.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
8 May 2025
Verb
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Australia’s feral rabbits are descendants of rabbits that newly arriving European colonists brought with them to supply meat and fur.—
GrrlScientist,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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Panasonic cells can be found in many Teslas, with the cheaper, sturdier lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells being supplied by CATL.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Only one apartment; huge, but richly furnished, and the nervous owner wanted $200 per month.—
John Updike,
New Yorker,
11 July 2025
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East meets west at the Setai Miami Beach, where rooms are furnished in teak woods and an Asian art deco design.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 July 2025
Verb
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The fresh sneaker treats a beloved On silhouette to Loewe’s high-end designer sensibilities and is equipped with signature Speedboard technology capable of boosting runners’ speed while doling out all-day comfort, as well as a cushy Zero-Gravity foam midsole that absorbs impact.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
23 July 2025
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Autos: The new tax break on car loan interest comes equipped with a trunk full of caveats, writes Susan Tompor.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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China Central Television In comparison, the United States currently operates a fleet of 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, each armed with up to 20 Trident II D5LE nuclear missiles.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Aug. 2025
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Fox is accused of leaving a car armed with a rifle and opening fire at another vehicle carrying four minors in Long Beach on April 9, 2024, prosecutors said.—
Daniella Segura,
Sacbee.com,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.—
Kirby Adams,
The Courier-Journal,
30 July 2025
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The local chamber, with its nearly 500 business partners, is among the top 10 in size of all LGBTQ chambers nationwide, and Cannon helps connect, educate and advocate its members.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Warm (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warm%20%28up%29. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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