PREPARATORY Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

preparatory

adjective

pri-ˈper-ə-ˌtȯr-ē

Definition of preparatory

as in preliminary

coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows a preparatory investigation to see if there is enough evidence to warrant bringing charges

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of preparatory Sudō’s preparatory drawings and tools will offer insight into her processes. — Leslie Camhi, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2026 In his case, this is mainly evident during the preparatory stage. — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026 Baniewicz was hired by Bishop Miege in 2023 after serving nearly 14 years as president of Maur Hill-Mount Academy, a college preparatory boarding school in Atchison. — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026 Prince Gabriel, 22, completed a one-year preparatory course at the National Mathematics & Science College in England before graduating from the Royal Military Academy of Belgium. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preparatory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory

Adjective

Heading into this week, investors will be watching for minutes from the Fed's September meeting on Wednesday and the University of Michigan's preliminary October consumer sentiment reading, due Friday.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 5 Oct. 2026
The decision on whether to enable Northwestern’s plans came down to Evanston’s City Council, which in October 2023 tied at a preliminary vote.

— Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of preliminary

Adjective

Could younger athletes attend an introductory session before formal evaluation?

— Irma Davarashvili, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
But still, this felt different — as Gray himself noted in his moving introductory remarks, reflecting on growing up a few miles away from the Upper West Side.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026