as in prelude
a performance, activity, or event that precedes and sets the stage for the main event
the couple's initial exchange of insults proved to be only a warm-up for their booze-fueled fight later that night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of warm (up)
Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
The Bernabeu is considered by many to be the most demanding crowd in the football world and whistles were heard last night as early as the pre-match warm-up.
—Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
But the inspector’s job doesn’t end after warm-ups.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
Before jumping into it, make sure to do a dynamic warm-up (like these two that feature bodyweight versions of the key movement patterns) to get your muscles primed and ready for the work ahead.
—Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for warm (up) 
Noun
The lobby, with its large fireplaces, is a super place to warm-up and have a cocktail before moving into the fine dining restaurant.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
The Bernabeu is considered by many to be the most demanding crowd in the football world and whistles were heard last night as early as the pre-match warm-up.
—Mario Cortegana, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
But the inspector’s job doesn’t end after warm-ups.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 16 Jan. 2025
Before jumping into it, make sure to do a dynamic warm-up (like these two that feature bodyweight versions of the key movement patterns) to get your muscles primed and ready for the work ahead.
—Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for warm (up)
Recent Examples of Synonyms for warm (up)
Verb
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Jon will then walk through the home and can provide an offer price within 24 hours.—
Archway Homes,
Kansas City Star,
26 Jan. 2025
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The Port Authority will provide $200,000 in matching funding, according to the city board resolution, which was approved as part of the consent agenda on Tuesday.—
Joseph Flaherty,
arkansasonline.com,
26 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The current system could be a possible prelude to a full voucher program, which is up for debate now in the Legislature.—
Alec MacGillis,
ProPublica,
30 Jan. 2025
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At times, the session, which lasted over five hours, seemed to be a prelude to the as-yet unscheduled confirmation hearings for Kash Patel, Mr. Trump’s pick to run the F.B.I., which is part of the Justice Department.—
Glenn Thrush,
New York Times,
15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Indianapolis Colts Tyler Warren | TE | Penn State Warren is a do-it-all tight end who can make plays from multiple alignments, supplying Anthony Richardson with a go-to target.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
20 Jan. 2025
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Disclaimer: OnePlus supplied a OnePlus 13R for review purposes.—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes,
19 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Sponsored by the Miss Montgomery County Organization, the Miss Bethesda’s Teen title serves as a preliminary to the Miss Maryland and Miss America competitions.—
Susan Soldavin,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Jan. 2025
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The Southern Section held its track and field preliminaries at four sites around Southern California on Saturday, and sophomore Brian Bonner of Valencia High continued his rise to prominence.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
4 May 2024
Verb
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The development was completed in just 132 working days, from the initial site preparation to the handover of keys to the client, a local council which will finish furnishing the homes and rent them to social housing tenants at an affordable price.—
Adam Williams,
New Atlas,
22 Jan. 2025
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Each unit has floor-to-ceiling windows and furnished private terraces that take advantage of the panoramic views.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Just four months ago, in mid-September, the Brigade’s first 50 members, ranging in age from their mid-20s to mid-70s, were formally taught, equipped, and deployed as official volunteers.—
Emma Marie Jenkinson,
Vogue,
24 Jan. 2025
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More broadly, however, experts have told PEOPLE that urban infrastructure is not currently equipped to battle the kinds of firestorms like the one that swept through L.A. this month, fueled in large part by viciously strong winds.—
Charmaine Patterson,
People.com,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Henderson walked into the school cafeteria armed with a pistol around 11 a.m., according to police.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2025
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Five tanks armed with machine guns ran over one camp, according to the VA.—
Julia Marnin,
Miami Herald,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The office now is responsible for educating and developing strategies with the military on how to reduce civilian harm and working with allied nations on harm reduction strategies.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
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Three years later, Anaheim Union High School District trustees passed a resolution to sue Mexico for $50 million for the cost of educating people like me, who were the children of unauthorized immigrants.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near warm (up)
Cite this Entry
“Warm (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/warm%20%28up%29. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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