prior

²prior

adj

Definition of PRIOR

1

: earlier in time or order

2

: taking precedence (as in importance)

— pri·or·ly adverb

Examples of PRIOR

1. Do you have a prior history of back problems?
2. The job requires prior experience in advertising.
3. The defendant had a prior record of convictions.
4. I'm sorry, but we have a prior commitment and can't come tonight.
5. We have a prior claim to the estate.

Origin of PRIOR

Latin, former, superior; akin to Latin priscus ancient, prae before — more at for

First Known Use: 1709

Related to PRIOR

Synonyms: arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, foremost, sovereign (also sovran), supreme

Antonyms: last, least

Related Words: distinguished, eminent, illustrious, noble, notable, noteworthy, outstanding, prestigious, signal, star, stellar, superior; high-level, senior, top; important, influential, major, mighty, momentous, significant; incomparable, matchless, unequaled (or unequalled), unparalleled, unsurpassed; celebrated, famed, famous, renowned

Near Antonyms: inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, minor, negligible, slight, trifling, trivial, unimportant; collateral, inferior, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at preceding

Rhymes with PRIOR

briar, choir, fire, gyre, hire, ire, mire, sire, spire, squire, tier, tire, wire