PREVIOUS TO Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

previous to

preposition

Definition of previous to

as in before

earlier than his passport arrived just previous to his trip

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 previous to Kent, originally from Sutton, graduated from the State Police Academy in 2022 and did not have a disciplinary record previous to this incident, the Herald previously reported. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026 Scott Cooper had offered me a movie previous to Deliver Me from Nowhere. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 July 2025 His six league goals last season represent a modest return, especially after back-to-back double-digit campaigns previous to this. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 20 June 2025 With nine more seasons under his belt as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers previous to that, he's recorded a 102-103-2 overall record. — George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for previous to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous to

Preposition

The talent disparity was on display for the first three quarters, as the Heat led by as many as 17 points in the first half before entering halftime with a 64-54 advantage.

— Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
Tatum tried to dap up Brown before the opening tip with a tap on the shoulder and thump on the chest that his former teammate ignored.

— CBS News, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

That was followed by two more changes of ownership prior to current owner Barry Goldfarb’s acquisition of the property in 2001.

— Joan Lynch, Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2026
In past years, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced a long list of presenters and guest performers prior to the ceremony.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of prior to

Preposition

The Galaxy cut it to 2-1 in the 40th minute thanks to an own goal by Real Salt Lake defender Luc de Fougerolles, making his seventh appearance in the league.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Polson did not respond to messages asking him to confirm all the books are his.

— TODD WALLACK THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of to

Browse Nearby Words

previously

previous to

prevision

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Previous to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous%20to. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of previous to

preposition

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

impertinent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Popular in Wordplay

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Nov. 13

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes