Synonyms for preliminary
- adjective
- noun
Most common
Synonyms by meaning
Adjective
1. Preparatory — in preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory
preparatory, initial, introductory, opening, prefatory, initiative, proemial UK, premial US, prelusive
Other
prior, exploratory, precedent, precursory, antecedent, anterior, prevenient
Noun
1. Introduction
Other
Definitions
- adj. 1
In preparation for the main matter; initial, introductory, preparatory.
These are just the preliminary results.
- n. 1
A preparation for a main matter; an introduction.
Related words
- Phrases
- preliminary examination
Forms
- Plural
- preliminaries → introductions, preludes, prefaces, overtures…
Example sentences
- initial After several appeals, the initial decision stood.
- initiative He is quite good at his job, but lacks initiative.
- preparatory How many kids attend the preparatory class?
- prior Dad had been sick for four years prior to passing.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| preliminary | falling | |
| initial | steady | |
| initiative | steady | |
| preparatory | falling | |
| prefatory | falling | |
| prior | falling |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 5 letters
- prior2
- 6 letters
- prelim2
- 7 letters
- opening3, initial3, preface2, prelude2, premial
- 8 letters
- anterior4, overture3, proemial
- 9 letters
- precedent3, prefatory, prelusive
- 10 letters
- initiative4, antecedent4, precursory, prevenient
- 11 letters
- preparation4, preparatory5, exploratory5
- 12 letters
- introduction4, introductory5
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (prior2 = 2 syllables).
In other languages
- Français
- préliminaire