A PRIORI Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

a priori 1 of 2

adjective

ˌä-prē-ˈȯr-ē

Definition of a priori

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

a priori

2 of 2

adverb

as in early

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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

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

The latest demonstrations, held Saturday, encouraged Americans to vote early in the upcoming midterm elections.

— Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Some began working for Union Pacific as early as the 1950s, in jobs that included track maintenance, signal maintenance, conducting and engineering.

— Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 17 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

The World Nuclear Association said restarting nuclear reactors should be celebrated, but preventing them from closing prematurely would be the best option.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
In September, the Supreme Court ruled 8-1 that the 4th Circuit had prematurely halted the rule, finding that the FCC must issue a decision on the Democratic candidates’ petition for review before the appeals court can get involved.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of prematurely

Adverb

Her party is already the largest opposition party in parliament, and a snap legislative election following the presidential vote could entrench it further.

— Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Wider shipping disruptions While some operators remain willing to transit Hormuz, much of the global container shipping industry has already adjusted its networks to avoid the strait.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of already

Adverb

In late December, Koop, Page’s family office, was converted out of California and incorporated in Delaware, Fortune’s Sasha Rogelberg previously reported.

— Sydney Lake, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Testing autonomy at sea The three-and-a-half-hour exercise used a modified 368-ton unmanned surface vessel previously operated by the US Navy.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of previously

Adverb

But the tireless churn of his storytelling, picking up and depositing little clues of what came before, is the mark of an auteur who has barely scratched the surface of his prowess.

— Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
In fact, researchers have never seen 99 percent of the viruses discovered there before.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of before

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après

a priori

apropos

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

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Synonyms of a priori

adjective

adverb

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