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

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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
  • Bagherzadeh, who leads Iran’s armed forces’ missing persons search committee, earlier claimed that Qatar had held the three crew members for months after their planes were shot down early in the war.
    — Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Los Angeles likes to draft tight ends a year early, since the transition, mentally and physically, at this position and in this offense is so extreme.
    — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of early
Adjective
  • None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.
    — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026
Definition of reasoned
Adverb
  • Finally, in the Harvard case, the complaint said that DOJ attorneys raised grave legal concerns after the government moved to cut off the school's funding prematurely and sought a settlement before any investigation had been completed.
    — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Within years, the iconoclastic comic was a weary and defeated man — broke, baggy-eyed, and prematurely old.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of prematurely
Adverb
  • AccuWeather data from April showed Illinois already leading the nation in tornado, hail and high‑wind reports before the destruction last month.
    — Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Some parking garages in Fort Collins are already paid, but street parking in Old Town has remained free for decades.
    — Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of already
Adverb
  • Abbott has previously said data centers should not be built in rural Texas neighborhoods and that developers must pay their own way and provide their own water and power.
    — Jack Fink, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Immigrant advocates, medical professionals and lawmakers have previously raised concerns about conditions at the South Texas facility.
    — Laura Romero, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of previously
Adverb
  • Tuesday's Dearborn City Council meeting was not business as usual, with anti-Islam protesters gathering before and during the meeting.
    — DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • That is, again, different from last year; Glenn knew Wilks but had never worked with him before.
    — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 19 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of a priori for Spanish Speakers

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