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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

The Canadian miner says it is slowing development activity at the Reko Diq project and continuing a review until mid-2027 following preliminary findings and an escalation of security issues in the country and region.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

"We had some solid preliminary information about this operation, including details about the place and possible timing," former senior Hungarian counter-intelligence officer, Peter Buda, told the BBC.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

Yet they have to correct for a yearslong decline in employer response rates to BLS surveys—which does not negate the data overall, but certainly makes preliminary calculations a bit more unsteady and speculative.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

Rosy regarded her talk as a preliminary report which, by itself, would not test anything fundamental about DNA.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson