a priori 1 of 2

adjective

ˌä-prē-ˈȯr-ē How to pronounce a priori (audio)
Definition of a priorinext
as in inferable
being or provable by reasoning in which the conclusion follows necessarily from given information an a priori argument for the defendant's innocence

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

a priori

2 of 2

adverb

as in early

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 a priori
Adjective
This sort of a priori justification for ESAs explains a few things. — Chandler Fritz, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 One of his most significant contributions was introducing new mathematical tools to model and incorporate a priori data—which relies on deductive reasoning to make predictions—to address signal recovery challenges. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Oct. 2024 Knowing a priori which stocks will outperform the market is also much more difficult than reviewing the trends that occurred in the past. — Wayne Winegarden, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 Alongside this effort, wildlife trafficking should be designated as a predicate offense for wiretap authorizations, which would empower authorities to start gathering intelligence without having to prove a link to other crimes a priori. — Vanda Felbab-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for a priori
Recent Examples of Synonyms for a priori
  1. derivable
  2. early
  3. reasoned
  4. prematurely
  5. already
  6. previously
  7. before
Adjective
  • That would be demonstrated if general relativity is derivable from quantum gravity.
    — Amanda Gefter, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024
  • And to little purpose, there being agreement among most faiths on the important morals, generally derivable from the golden rule.
    — Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2024
Definition of derivable
Adverb
  • Max Buchanan hurt Starting Hurricanes right guard Max Buchanan sustained an apparent knee injury early in the second quarter.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Word of Kreiz’s joining Paramount trickled out earlier in the day, but Ellison had already decided to wait until after market close to announce it.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of early
Adjective
  • In layman’s terms, critical thinking is the ability to think independently by questioning claims, weighing evidence, and making reasoned judgments.
    — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of reasoned
Adverb
  • How to Protect Bird Seed From Humidity Humidity can cause your bird seed to spoil prematurely.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026
  • These progressively compress the fuel to high density without prematurely heating it, reducing the peak power and complexity required from the driver, according to a press release.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of prematurely
Adverb
  • The idea is essentially to use an interface that already works well rather than designing an entirely new control system.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Ming Yang, a Chinese manufacturer, has already been blocked from building a factory in Scotland on national security grounds.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of already
Adverb
  • But that resulted in even bigger population shifts for the 5th Congressional District, which previously was based in central Tennessee.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The promotional offer applies to a model that previously received detailed coverage in an independent New Atlas review.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of previously
Adverb
  • Heather is absolutely tickled and lets out a cackle, because that little bit surely hits even harder if the FBI has actually busted up one of your cast trips before.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • That kind of ongoing interaction with one’s own genomic data was simply not possible before.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of before

Browse Nearby Words

après
a priori
apropos
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Cite this Entry

“A priori.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/a%20priori. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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