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

Jake Davis received the ball on the right before playing it back inside to Garcia, who slotted his shot home from just inside the edge of the box.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
After the match, David Finlay attacks White before the rest of the Bang Bang Gang runs down to make the save.

— Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

Deadly lightning strikes can occur well ahead of an approaching storm, prior to the arrival of rain and wind.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 July 2026
Issel said Caldwell had fallen recently and had been convalescing at a rehabilitation center prior to his death.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 July 2026

Definition of prior to

Preposition

On Thursday, the country declared an official water shortage, raising its national drought response to Level 2.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
The relationship began several months after Sweeney ended her engagement to longtime partner Jonathan Davino, while Braun had been divorced from entrepreneur Yael Cohen since 2022.

— Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 21 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of previous to

preposition

Example Sentences

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