prior to

preposition

: in advance of : before

Usage of Prior to

Although prior to is occasionally criticized as a pretentious way of saying before, it is well-established in formal contexts, such as the annual reports of corporations. In some of these contexts, it serves to emphasize the procedural nature of something.

page makeup decisions are verified and approved prior to typesetting

—Publishers Weekly

Synonyms of prior to

• before
• previous to
• to

Examples of prior to in a Sentence

make sure all revisions are approved by the author prior to publication

Recent Examples on the Web

Chess said wind phones hit close to home for him as a geriatrician prior to becoming mayor. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026

Running back Jacob Saylors was deemed out prior to kickoff Sunday due to his ailing neck. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026

In fact, just prior to our conversation, it was announced that Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman will become the new deputy director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 7 Nov. 2026

In one chapter, Le Manach offers specific menu plans by holiday or seasonal party, such as an entire Thanksgiving feast with every step starting two days prior to the day of. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 7 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prior to

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

prior to

preposition

: in advance of : before