Synonyms of preliminary

Noun

1. preliminary, prelim, athletic contest, athletic competition, athletics

usage: a minor match preceding the main event

2. preliminary, overture, prelude, origin, origination, inception

usage: something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows; "training is a necessary preliminary to employment"; "drinks were the overture to dinner"

Adjective

1. preliminary, exploratory (vs. nonexploratory), explorative

usage: denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important; designed to orient or acquaint with a situation before proceeding; "a preliminary investigation"

Definition and meaning of preliminary (Dictionary)