PRELIMINARY: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for PRELIMINARY?

Need another word that means the same as “preliminary”? Find 32 synonyms and 30 related words for “preliminary” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Preliminary” are: preparatory, introductory, initial, opening, prefatory, prior, preceding, initiatory, precursory, in preparation for, in advance of, prior to, ahead of, preparatory to, overture, prelude, prelim, preparation, preliminary measure, preliminary action, groundwork, first round, introduction, preamble, opening remarks, formalities, front matter, preliminary material, forward matter, foreword, preface

Preliminary as a Noun

Definitions of "Preliminary" as a noun

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “preliminary” as a noun can have the following definitions:

• A preliminary action or event.
• The prelims of a text.
• Business or talk, especially of a formulaic or polite nature, taking place before an action or event.
• Something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows.
• A minor match preceding the main event.
• A preliminary round in a sporting competition.

Synonyms of "Preliminary" as a noun (18 Words)

first round	The lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle; used to start a car moving.
foreword	A short introductory essay preceding the text of a book.
formalities	A manner that strictly observes all forms and ceremonies.
forward matter	The person who plays the position of forward in certain games, such as basketball, soccer, or hockey.
front matter	The outward appearance of a person.
groundwork	The fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained. We are prepared today because of groundwork that was done ten years ago.
introduction	The act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new. He returned to his desk leaving Michael to make the introductions.
opening	The act of opening something. The ray of light revealed his cautious opening of the door.
opening remarks	A vacant or unobstructed space that is man-made.
overture	An independent orchestral composition in one movement. The overture to Mozart s Don Giovanni.
preamble	A preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution (usually explaining its purpose. He could tell that what she said was by way of a preamble.
preface	A short introductory essay preceding the text of a book. It was an abrupt question made without even the preface of a greeting.
prelim	A preliminary round in a sporting competition. The prelims of the 400 meter free relay.
preliminary action	A minor match preceding the main event.
preliminary material	A minor match preceding the main event.
preliminary measure	A minor match preceding the main event.
prelude	A short piece of music of a style similar to a prelude especially for the piano. A ceasefire had been agreed as a prelude to full peace negotiations.
preparation	The cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening. She continued her preparations for the party.

Usage Examples of "Preliminary" as a noun

• The bombardment was resumed as a preliminary to an infantry attack.
• She began speaking, without preliminaries.
• Training is a necessary preliminary to employment.

Preliminary as an Adjective

Definitions of "Preliminary" as an adjective

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “preliminary” as an adjective can have the following definitions:

• Denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important; designed to orient or acquaint with a situation before proceeding.
• Denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important.
• Preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important.

Synonyms of "Preliminary" as an adjective (14 Words)

ahead of	Having the leading position or higher score in a contest.
in advance of	Directed or bound inward.
in preparation for	Currently fashionable.
initial	(of a letter) at the beginning of a word. The witness was identified simply by an initial letter.
initiatory	Serving to set in motion. An initiatory step toward a treaty.
introductory	Serving as a base or starting point. Began the slide show with some introductory remarks.
opening	Coming at the beginning of something; initial. The memorable opening bars of Beethoven s Fifth.
preceding	Coming before something in order, position, or time. A growth in sales above those of the preceding year.
precursory	Warning of future misfortune. Precursory seismic activity.
prefatory	Serving as an introduction; introductory. In his prefatory remarks the author claims that.
preparatory	Relating to education in a prep school. More preparatory work is needed.
preparatory to	Preceding and preparing for something.
prior	Existing or coming before in time, order, or importance. He has a prior engagement this evening.
prior to	Earlier in time.

Usage Examples of "Preliminary" as an adjective

• A preliminary investigation.
• A preliminary draft.
• The discussions were seen as preliminary to the policy paper.

Associations of "Preliminary" (30 Words)

already	As surprisingly soon or early as this. Anna has suffered a great deal already.
but	And nothing more. As with all these proposals ifs and buts abound.
coming	The temporal property of becoming nearer in time. This coming Thursday.
concert	Relating to or denoting the performance of music written for opera, ballet, or theatre on its own without the accompanying dramatic action. Concert one s differences.
despite	Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike. The despite done by him to the holy relics.
future	Effective in or looking toward the future. MPs will debate the future of the railways.
heretofore	Used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time. Diseases that heretofore were usually confined to rural areas.
hitherto	Until now or until the point in time under discussion. Hitherto part of French West Africa Benin achieved independence in 1960.
however	In whatever way or manner. He was hesitant to take the risk however small.
introductory	Serving as a base or starting point. An introductory art course.
nevertheless	Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession. While we disliked each other nevertheless we agreed.
nonetheless	Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession. The rally which the government had declared illegal was nonetheless attended by some 6 000.
notwithstanding	Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession. I didn't like it. Notwithstanding, I remained calm.
overture	An introduction to something more substantial. The overture to Mozart s Don Giovanni.
preamble	A preliminary or preparatory statement; an introduction. I gave him the bad news without preamble.
preface	Provide a book with a preface. It is important to preface the debate with a general comment.
prefatory	Serving as an introduction or preface. In his prefatory remarks the author claims that.
prelude	Serve as a prelude or introduction to. The bombardment preluded an all out final attack.
preparatory	Relating to education in a prep school. Preparatory steps.
previous	Previous convictions a criminal record. The previous occupant of the White House.
prologue	The actor who delivers the prologue in a play. I got third in the prologue and eighth on the hardest stage.
prospective	Likely to happen at a future date. A meeting to discuss prospective changes in government legislation.
ready	Make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use event etc. A girl with a ready smile.
summarize	Be a summary of. To summarize there are three main categories.
symphony	A long and complex sonata for symphony orchestra. Autumn is a symphony of texture and pattern.
then	Subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors. I m paid a generous salary and then there s the money I ve made at the races.
though	However. I was hunting for work Jobs were scarce though.
whatever	One or some or every or all without specification. We told him we d back him whatever.
will	Leave or give by will after one s death. Will you stop here please.
yet	From now into the future for a specified length of time. I haven t told anyone else yet.