PREVIOUS TO Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

previous to

preposition

Definition of previous to

as in before

earlier than his passport arrived just previous to his trip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of previous to Scott Cooper had offered me a movie previous to Deliver Me from Nowhere. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 July 2025 His six league goals last season represent a modest return, especially after back-to-back double-digit campaigns previous to this. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 20 June 2025 With nine more seasons under his belt as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers previous to that, he's recorded a 102-103-2 overall record. — George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 Pulte lived in Florida previous to his nomination to lead the independent agency, but his family has roots in metro Detroit. — Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 Jan. 2022 See All Example Sentences for previous to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous to

Preposition

The actual Tann was born to free parents and, according to some sources, served in the Union Army before moving to Kansas, where he became known for combining medicinal treatment with physical therapy.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

The series takes place six years prior to the events of the first film and covers the high school years of a teenage Elle Woods (Lexi Minetree plays the character Reese Witherspoon originally played).

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Six years before Karl Benz’s first car and almost two decades prior to Henry Ford’s initial inventions, George Selden filed the first patent for a road engine, in 1879.

— Lonnie G. Bunch III, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026

Definition of prior to

Preposition

Nets belt winless Warriors Blue Egor Demin had 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 100-79 victory over the Golden State Warriors Blue in Monday’s early game.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Every travel day requires a spacious carry-on bag that’s comfortable to schlep through the airport and spacious enough to hold your in-flight essentials.

— Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Definition of to

Browse Nearby Words

previously

previous to

prevision

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Previous to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous%20to. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of previous to

preposition

Example Sentences

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