Synonyms of previous

previous

adjective

ˈprē-vē-əs 

as in preceding

going before another in time or order

the new instructor should consult with the previous teacher about the lesson plans

the previous math problem also included a reference to store discounts

Synonyms & Similar Words

• preceding
• prior
• earliest
• early
• initial
• former
• precedent
• original
• first
• foregoing
• antecedent
• anterior
• introductory
• preliminary
• advance
• premature
• inaugural
• preexisting
• pioneer
• erstwhile
• maiden
• whilom

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• subsequent
• following
• later
• after
• ensuing
• succeeding
• posterior
• last
• late
• final
• advanced
• latter
• latest
• concluding
• ultimate
• terminal
• closing

Synonym Chooser

How is the word previous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of previous are antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, and prior. While all these words mean "being before," previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance.

a child from a previous marriage

a prior obligation

Where would antecedent be a reasonable alternative to previous?

The synonyms antecedent and previous are sometimes interchangeable, but antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

In what contexts can anterior take the place of previous?

While the synonyms anterior and previous are close in meaning, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When might foregoing be a better fit than previous?

In some situations, the words foregoing and previous are roughly equivalent. However, foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When is it sensible to use former instead of previous?

Although the words former and previous have much in common, former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When can preceding be used instead of previous?

The meanings of preceding and previous largely overlap; however, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of previous

Saban said if Miami hadn’t tried to pass the ball on first down of its previous drive, and run three consecutive times, that the Rebels wouldn’t have had the time to drive down the field. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026

Hildeby finished with 22 saves for the Maple Leafs, who lost their previous five road games. —CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

Global climate tech investment in 2025 was up 8% compared to the previous year, a turnaround from declines in 2023 and 2024. —Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Alexander, who just arrived with the Chargers last year as assistant GM, spent the previous five seasons with the New York Jets as their director of player personnel and, before that, spent 20 seasons in Baltimore, mostly in the scouting department. —David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026

Phrases Containing previous

• previous to