preceding and leading up to the main part, matter, or business; introductory; preparatory

preliminary examinations.

something preliminary, as an introductory or preparatory step, measure, contest, etc.

He passed the preliminary and went on to the finals.

a boxing match or other athletic contest that takes place before the main event on the program: A preliminary was fought at 8

a preliminary examination, as of a candidate for an academic degree.

preliminaries, Printing . front matter.

adjective

closing , concluding , final

noun

closing , conclusion , finale

adjective

basic , elemental , elementary , exploratory , first , fundamental , inductive , initiatory , opening , pilot , preceding , precursory , prefatory , preparatory , preparing , primal , primary , prior , qualifying , readying , test , trial , introductory , prolegomenous , sketchy , tentative , unfinished , unperfected , unpolished , antecedent , imperative , indispensable , precedential , precursive , prefatorial , premonitory

noun

first round , foundation , groundwork , initiation , introduction , opening , preamble , preface , prelims , prelude , preparation , start , antecedent , basic , beginning , exploratory , fundamental , inductive , initial , introductory , precursory , prefatory , preparatory , prerequisite , previous , prior , protocol , qualifying , reconnaissance