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)
Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
The Bernabeu is considered by many to be the most demanding crowd in the football world and whistles were heard last night as early as the pre-match warm-up.
—Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
But the inspector’s job doesn’t end after warm-ups.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
Before jumping into it, make sure to do a dynamic warm-up (like these two that feature bodyweight versions of the key movement patterns) to get your muscles primed and ready for the work ahead.
—Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for warm (up) 
Noun
The lobby, with its large fireplaces, is a super place to warm-up and have a cocktail before moving into the fine dining restaurant.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
The Bernabeu is considered by many to be the most demanding crowd in the football world and whistles were heard last night as early as the pre-match warm-up.
—Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
But the inspector’s job doesn’t end after warm-ups.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
Before jumping into it, make sure to do a dynamic warm-up (like these two that feature bodyweight versions of the key movement patterns) to get your muscles primed and ready for the work ahead.
—Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for warm (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warm (up)
Verb
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But O’Hara added that consent decrees do provide police departments with additional resources needed to implement reforms.—
Deena Zaru,
ABC News,
7 Feb. 2025
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The Return provided a world big enough to encompass both the lo-fi hijinks of the Twin Peaks sheriff’s department and the utter darkness of hell on Earth.—
K. Austin Collins,
The Atlantic,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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For the past 11 seasons, being named the AP first-team All-Pro quarterback was a prelude to winning the NFL’s MVP award.—
Josh Dubow,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2025
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In an interview with Politico on Monday, Caruso denied that the non-profit is a prelude to a new campaign.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The legislation was akin to the World War II Lend-Lease Act, in which equipment is supplied at no cost and is to be used until returned or destroyed.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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Indeed, Lillian Ross’s became the cool tone of American journalism for the next fifty years, as Tom Wolfe supplied its hot one.—
Adam Gopnik,
The New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Sponsored by the Miss Montgomery County Organization, the Miss Bethesda’s Teen title serves as a preliminary to the Miss Maryland and Miss America competitions.—
Susan Soldavin,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Jan. 2025
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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
Verb
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For years after the headquarters moved to Battersea, Foster maintained a vast apartment on the office’s top floor, which was furnished with little but a seventy-foot mural by the artist Richard Long.—
Ian Parker,
The New Yorker,
20 Jan. 2025
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Customers include big-box, home furnishing retailers and service providers such as Ashley Furniture, Big Sandy Home Furnishings, Yale and Baron's Appliances.—
Richard Collings,
Axios,
17 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Any concern outside the club over whether Liverpool are sufficiently equipped for the challenges ahead isn’t shared by those within.—
James Pearce,
The Athletic,
4 Feb. 2025
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As reported in the Tribune after 2024’s festival, this summer’s event will have a second stage, more staff, additional entrances and larger grounds with a dance zone equipped for additional performances, DJ sets, and perreo along with more food vendors, bars, live-stream screens, seating and shade.—
Doug George,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Two brazen crooks armed only with a knife are wanted by the NYPD for a string of robberies at fast food restaurants along E. 233rd St in the Bronx last month — with one Popeyes location being hit twice in one week.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
1 Feb. 2025
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The resort’s 12,900-square-foot spa, armed with a fleet of wellness experts, embraces the scientific-meets-spiritual reputation of the global, sustainability-minded Six Senses hotel collection.—
Devorah Lev-Tov,
AFAR Media,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Danica McKellar is aiming to educate and entertain young readers in a new kids book.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
People.com,
10 Feb. 2025
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Since before Trump was inaugurated Jan. 20, immigrant advocacy groups in Chicago have been trying to educate community members on their rights, for example that constitutional protections against self-incrimination apply to all people on U.S. soil, including undocumented immigrants.—
Peter Breen,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near warm (up)
Cite this Entry
“Warm (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warm%20%28up%29. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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