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

During a search warrant executed before Hemphill’s arrest, the dentist could not show detectives where the practice stored its Narcan, police wrote in the warrant.

— Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Their ability to keep the ball away from opponents with their precise, pretty lpasses, before finding a cutting edge through Lamine Yamal or Mikel Oyarzabal, has been devastating to watch unfurl in this tournament.

— Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 16 July 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

Before that, Balogun had been in fine form for the United States, scoring twice in their opening victory over Paraguay before adding another in the round-of-32 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina prior to that sending off.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Kurtz, prior to being injured and forced to miss the Midsummer Classic, got the starting role due to receiving the most votes in the players’ ballot.

— Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of prior to

Preposition

Utah Jazz guard Trey Alexander was taken from the court on stretcher Monday night after appearing to injure his side on a drive to the basket in an NBA Summer League game against the Chicago Bulls.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
During play, participants are constantly switching between jogging, sprinting and directional changes, which creates cardiovascular conditioning similar to structured interval training.

— Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 14 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of previous to

preposition

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