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
Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
The company has filed a preliminary proxy statement to amend its Certificate of Incorporation to extend the Termination Date, subject to stockholder approval.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
In 1988: Greg Louganis won the gold medal in the 3-meter springboard at the Seoul Olympics one day after hitting his head on the diving board during the preliminaries.
—Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 21 Sep. 2024
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Adjective
After a few of the tests were complete, police said Geer stopped cooperating and refused a preliminary breath test.
—Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 14 Nov. 2024
The company has filed a preliminary proxy statement to amend its Certificate of Incorporation to extend the Termination Date, subject to stockholder approval.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
The Southern Section held its track and field preliminaries at four sites around Southern California on Saturday, and sophomore Brian Bonner of Valencia High continued his rise to prominence.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2024
In 1988: Greg Louganis won the gold medal in the 3-meter springboard at the Seoul Olympics one day after hitting his head on the diving board during the preliminaries.
—Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 21 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preliminary
Dictionary Entries Near preliminary
Cite this Entry
“Preliminary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preliminary. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
preliminary
1 of 2 noun
pre·lim·i·nary
pri-ˈlim-ə-ˌner-ē
plural preliminaries
: something preliminary
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