as in preparatory
coming before the main part or item usually to introduce or prepare for what follows
preparative warning that the injection was going to cause a modest amount of pain
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Recent Examples of preparative
Just weeks after announcing a plan (or at least the preparative study of a plan) to reconstruct Park Avenue in its premodern, superior form, the city has just revealed a major makeover for Fifth.
—
Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2024
One such approach involves utilizing advanced chromatography techniques like flash chromatography or preparative HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography).
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Aug. 2023
Using photography as a preparative tool as well as an art form later in life reveals Degas to have been a more progressive artist that was willing to experiment.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2019
Gordon explains that the body has quite a bit of pre-labor preparative work to do.
—Tanya Ward Goodman, Orange County Register, 5 June 2017
Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 17 Oct. 2024
One such approach involves utilizing advanced chromatography techniques like flash chromatography or preparative HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography).
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Aug. 2023
Using photography as a preparative tool as well as an art form later in life reveals Degas to have been a more progressive artist that was willing to experiment.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2019
Gordon explains that the body has quite a bit of pre-labor preparative work to do.
—Tanya Ward Goodman, Orange County Register, 5 June 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preparative
Adjective
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The Navy has replicated the Army's preparatory course and implemented its own training system for potential recruits who initially fall short.—
Luis Martinez,
ABC News,
3 June 2025
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Pade paints directly onto the canvas without a preparatory drawing, often smudging areas of the canvas with a cloth at the end of a day in her Paris studio.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Adjective
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Thursday’s preliminary injunction made that relief more long term and acknowledged the irreparable harm that Chung could otherwise face.—
Cayla Bamberger,
New York Daily News,
5 June 2025
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Officials believe the girls most likely died by asphyxiation, according to a preliminary report filed with the Chelan County Superior Court, Fox 13 Seattle reported.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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From that ugly introductory victory, the film goes on to portray the remaining 15-odd years in Magellan’s ever-loftier, ever-hungrier career, though Diaz isn’t massively hung up on historical dates and particulars.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
28 May 2025
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Students begin with three introductory modules, all available online now, then select an FSF discipline: design and product development, merchandising, marketing, or business strategy.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preparative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preparative. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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