Definitions:

1. A legal procedure used to determine whether there is enough evidence to hold a trial for a person accused of a crime. NOUN
   • The judge scheduled a preliminary examination to decide if the case should go to grial.
2. An examination taken by graduate students to determine their fitness to continue. NOUN
   • The preliminary examination serves as a screening tool to identify promising applicants.
3. An initial analysis or review of something, typically used to determine if further investigation, study, or legal proceedings are necessary. NOUN
   • The defendant's lawyer argued that the evidence was insufficient during the preliminary examination.

Synonyms:

• prelim
• preliminary analysis
• preliminary assessment
• preliminary exam
• preliminary investigation
• preliminary review
• preliminary study
• prior examination