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Showing results for preliminary. Search instead for prelimina.
Definitions

preliminary

[pri-lim-uh-ner-ee] / prɪˈlɪm əˌnɛr i /
ADJECTIVE
introductory, initial
Synonyms
STRONGEST
exploratory preparatory prior
STRONG
basic first fundamental opening pilot primary qualifying readying test trial
WEAK
elemental elementary inductive initiatory preceding precursory prefatory preparing primal
Antonyms
STRONG
additional extra secondary
WEAK
closing concluding final
NOUN
introductory event; beginning
Synonyms
STRONG
foundation groundwork initiation introduction opening preamble preface prelims prelude preparation start
WEAK
first round
Antonyms
STRONG
conclusion end ending epilogue finish
WEAK
closing finale

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

New orders, a key indicator of future business activity, rose 0.9 percent from a month earlier, according to preliminary figures from statistics agency Destatis, slightly below forecasts.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

However, Alianza Lima later published a statement, also on X, that said: "According to the preliminary information available, the incident is not related to the collapse of walls or structural facilities of the sports complex".

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

The judge’s preliminary injunction applies only to public colleges and universities in the states that sued while the case proceeds through litigation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The ISM survey on services for March is due Monday, weekly jobless claims Thursday, while the University of Michigan’s preliminary consumer survey for April is released Friday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Mostly, he boxed in preliminary matches to warm up the crowd.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand