Definition of preparatorynext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of preparatory When interview invitations arrive, candidates have already done the reflective and preparatory work that helps make those conversations productive instead of reactive. Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 June 2026 Another measure to speed up the preparatory studies proposes that when a power plant operator and a large load customer of a similar size both apply for access to the grid, only one study of the impact of both players joining should be conducted, rather than sequential studies. IEEE Spectrum, 24 June 2026 Anthem’s services cover all stages of drug development, including research, testing, preparatory work for clinical trials and the manufacture of pharmaceutical ingredients. Anu Raghunathan, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026 This includes increasing college preparatory course availability at high schools, making financial aid systems easier to navigate, and recruiting and retaining Asian American and Pacific Islander faculty members. Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for preparatory
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparatory
Adjective
  • Prominent civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Van Turner, who are representing the family of Kohen Wiley, released preliminary findings from the independent autopsy during a news conference on July 1.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The sheriff's office says a preliminary investigation found that workers were installing underground tanks.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Consider starting each rule section with a positive introductory statement.
    Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • The introductory course for PPEL required students to read, on average, just twenty-seven pages a week.
    Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Preparatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparatory. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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