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
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
Crowley-Sanders is next scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 27 and is currently being held in custody on a $1 million bond, according to court records.
—Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025
Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Sophomore Charlie Cutts was the only Saber to make the finals (top eight) in an individual event from the preliminaries Feb. 21.
—Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
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Adjective
Judge Jackson will hold a hearing on February 26 at 10:00am to consider imposing a preliminary injunction.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
Crowley-Sanders is next scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 27 and is currently being held in custody on a $1 million bond, according to court records.
—Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
And just by being around his Team Canada teammates, Crosby is doing what Iginla and others did for him back in 2010, when Canada lost to the U.S. in the preliminaries and beat it in the gold medal game.
—Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Sophomore Charlie Cutts was the only Saber to make the finals (top eight) in an individual event from the preliminaries Feb. 21.
—Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
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 21 Feb. 2025.
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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