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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.

Djibouti's President Ismail Omar Guelleh has won an election with 97.8% of the vote, keeping him at the helm of the strategically-placed Horn of Africa nation for a sixth term, preliminary official results show.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

"On ceasefire night, hopes were fading, but China stepped in and convinced Iran to agree to a preliminary ceasefire," said a senior Pakistani official source familiar with the negotiations.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

District Court Chief Judge Troy L. Nunley signaled he was preparing to issue a preliminary injunction that would prevent Nexstar and Tegna from combining operations amid an ongoing legal challenge.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

The company said in a preliminary earnings report Tuesday that it likely recorded an operating profit of 1.674 trillion won, equivalent to $1.11 billion, for the first quarter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Quantitative data should also be assembled to test my preliminary calculations suggesting differing rates of diffusion along the major axes of Eurasia, the Americas, and Africa.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Vocabulary lists containing preliminary

Vocabulary of the Summer Olympics

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Mockingbird

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