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 Kent, originally from Sutton, graduated from the State Police Academy in 2022 and did not have a disciplinary record previous to this incident, the Herald previously reported. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for previous to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous to

Preposition

Simpson, 60, is a former state Senate president who served in the upper chamber for 10 years before winning the agriculture commissioner position in 2022.

— Liv Caputo, Miami Herald, 4 Nov. 2026
The idea is bold and likely would face legislative hurdles and industry opposition before becoming law.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

In the latest case, prosecutors accused Wong of conspiring with others to lobby the United States and other countries to sanction China and Hong Kong, prior to the NSL’s imposition.

— Chris Lau, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
Those cases involve prisoners who had a felony conviction on their record prior to receiving a death sentence, or racked up additional crimes while awaiting execution.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of prior to

Preposition

The parties agreed to a framework for an agreement in May that required everyone who filed a claim to sign off.

— John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
The Boise State defense also produced a turnover-on-downs in the final minutes, batting away several shots at the end zone to hold the Cougars to 10 points.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of to

Browse Nearby Words

previously

previous to

prevision

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Style

“Previous to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous%20to. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of previous to

preposition

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