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
  • First, though, Redemption has a strong lineup of matches, headlined by Kenny Omega defending the AEW World Championship against Kevin Knight in a match made earlier this month.
    — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Henry Gardner, the director of a body that oversees the Coliseum’s affairs, said Saturday that Oakland Roots SC had missed its deadline a day earlier to make good on a defaulted lease payment.
    — Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 26 July 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
  • Some critics and media outlets have prematurely concluded that the policy has failed.
    — Ravi Iyer, Time, 18 July 2026
  • One of the six Raptor engines on Starship’s upper stage also shut down prematurely on the last test flight.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
Definition of prematurely
Adverb
  • The market is already crowded with neobanks offering accounts, from Nubank to Stori to Klar.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
  • Instead, the core of the squad is already in place, with Parkinson targeting certain key areas.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of already
Adverb
  • The case centered on Arbuckle’s medical history and the bank’s remote work policies, The Observer previously reported.
    — Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • Powell previously discussed how working on Chad Powers has become a passion project for him — thanks to his longtime love for college football.
    — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026
Definition of previously
Adverb
  • Although it had never been used on a major-league pitcher before, the less invasive option meant Skubal would be able to return to throwing quickly.
    — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Meanwhile, in another corner of the AI economy, the world's largest technology companies have committed nearly $700 billion to build data centers in 2026 alone, on top of $380 billion the year before.
    — Nili Gilbert, Forbes.com, 21 July 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 31 Jul. 2026.

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