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

Lavender Heights had resumed its rhythm Sunday after a member of the LGBTQ community reported suffering a verbal and physical attack the previous weekend in the neighborhood. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2026

Hawaii is still recovering from previous bouts of heavy rain and flooding after Tropical Storm Lala impacted the Big Island last month. — Phil Helsel, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2026

Neurons don’t respond instantaneously to incoming signals; their responses can depend on input received over the previous few hundred milliseconds. — Anirban Mukhopadhyay, Scientific American, 7 Sep. 2026

His father’s child from a previous relationship was raised in England. — Jeff Weiss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing previous

• previous to