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

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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

European observers will see the moon low in the western sky before dawn, creating dramatic opportunities to see and photograph the eclipsed moon above city skylines, coastlines and mountain landscapes as morning twilight begins.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Swiatek then jumped out to a 40-0 lead before converting her second match point.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

Outside of Europe, so far only Jordan – one of a handful of countries not to have signed a letter of support for Infantino’s reelection prior to this crisis – has publicly called for Infantino’s resignation.

— Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Tae-ha’s mom left him after Sang-gil, who was also a boxer prior to becoming a thug, cheated in a match.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of prior to

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previously

previous to

prevision

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“Previous to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous%20to. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of previous to

preposition

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