pre·lim·i·nary
pri-ˈli-mə-ˌner-ē 
: coming before and usually forming a necessary prelude to something else
preliminary studies
preliminary results
plural preliminaries
: something that precedes or is introductory or preparatory: such as
a
: a preliminary heat or trial (as of a race)
b
: a minor match preceding the main event (as of a boxing card)
c
: a preliminary scholastic examination
d
Synonyms
Examples of preliminary in a Sentence
Adjective
Preliminary findings show that the drug could help patients with skin cancer.
The team was eliminated in the preliminary round of the tournament.
research that is preliminary to the study
Noun
a meeting to discuss seating arrangements that was merely a preliminary to the formal negotiating sessions
Recent Examples on the Web
Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2024
Overdose deaths are rapidly declining nationwide, but Iowa is an exception, according to preliminary CDC data.
—Jason Clayworth, Axios, 1 Oct. 2024
NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024
The two athletes set the stage for fierce competition during the qualification round on Aug. 28, with Andrade finishing second to Biles in the all-around preliminaries.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preliminary 
Adjective
The harmonized inflation rate in Europe’s leading economy dropped by more than expected to 1.8% on an annual basis, preliminary data showed Monday.
—Sophie Kiderlin, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2024
Overdose deaths are rapidly declining nationwide, but Iowa is an exception, according to preliminary CDC data.
—Jason Clayworth, Axios, 1 Oct. 2024
Noun
Macdonald, a 23-time X Games champion, zipped through the skate park during the preliminaries, showing off flashy moves, including a Madonna and a body varial 540.
—NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024
The two athletes set the stage for fierce competition during the qualification round on Aug. 28, with Andrade finishing second to Biles in the all-around preliminaries.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 1 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preliminary
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'preliminary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near preliminary
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preliminary. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preliminary
1 of 2 noun
pre·lim·i·nary
pri-ˈlim-ə-ˌner-ē
plural preliminaries
: something preliminary
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share