prep
6 synonyms for prep, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To get something or someone ready in advance.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To get something or someone ready in advance.
“The chefs spent the morning prepping vegetables for dinner service.”
2. noun
Preparation, especially schoolwork done before class or work done before an event.
“He stayed up late finishing his prep for tomorrow's exam.”
How to use prep
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
meal prep
prep work
prep for an exam
Informal, common in everyday and school/work contexts.
Frequently asked questions
What does “prep” mean?
The word “prep” means to get something or someone ready in advance. In plain terms, a casual short form of "prepare" or "preparation.".
How do you pronounce “prep”?
“Prep” is pronounced prehp (/pɹɛp/ in IPA).
How do you use “prep” in a sentence?
Here is “prep” used in a sentence: “The chefs spent the morning prepping vegetables for dinner service.”
What part of speech is “prep”?
Depending on how it is used, “prep” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “prep” a common word?
“Prep” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “prep” have?
“Prep” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to get something or someone ready in advance.
What is the difference between 'prep' and 'prepare'?
'Prep' is an informal, shortened form of 'prepare', meaning to get something or someone ready in advance. 'Prepare' is the standard, more formal verb and is preferred in writing, while 'prep' is common in casual speech.
What is the difference between 'prep' and 'homework'?
In some British schools, 'prep' is the traditional word for homework or study done outside class. More broadly, 'prep' means any preparation done ahead of time, while 'homework' refers specifically to school assignments completed at home.
Is 'prep' formal or informal?
'Prep' is informal and conversational, common in speech and casual writing, as in prep the ingredients. In formal contexts, 'prepare' or 'preparation' is the better choice.
