Usage of Prior to
Sometimes termed pompous or affected, prior to is a synonym of before that most often appears in rather formal contexts, such as the annual reports of corporations. It may occasionally emphasize the notion of anticipation.
page makeup decisions are verified and approved prior to typesetting
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Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
Examples of prior to in a Sentence
make sure all revisions are approved by the author prior to publication
Recent Examples on the Web
Florida, meanwhile, had an offensive explosion with 457 yards on a night when quarterback DJ Lagway and receiver Dallas Wilson — making his college debut after a foot injury sidelined the freshman prior to Saturday — showed off the upside the Gators have been waiting for.
—Grace Raynor, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
For best results, allow dish to thaw prior to baking.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Valley Metro will recognize the event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event through the end of the transit day.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Scholz was charged prior to the law and cannot be retroactively charged through it.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
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Grace Raynor, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
For best results, allow dish to thaw prior to baking.
—Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Valley Metro will recognize the event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event through the end of the transit day.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Scholz was charged prior to the law and cannot be retroactively charged through it.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prior to
Cite this Entry
“Prior to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prior%20to. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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