Synonyms: overture, preliminary, prelude
Definition: something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows
Usage: training is a necessary preliminary to employment; drinks were the overture to dinner
Similar words: origin, origination, inception
Definition: an event that is a beginning; a first part or stage of subsequent events
Synonyms: prelim, preliminary
Definition: a minor match preceding the main event
Similar words: athletic competition, athletic contest, athletics
Definition: a contest between athletes
Synonyms: preliminary
Definition: denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important; designed to orient or acquaint with a situation before proceeding
Usage: a preliminary investigation
Similar words: explorative, exploratory
Definition: serving in or intended for exploration or discovery
Usage: an exploratory operation; exploratory reconnaissance; digging an exploratory well in the Gulf of Mexico; exploratory talks between diplomats