previous to

as in before
earlier than his passport arrived just previous to his trip

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The actor had lived in the home for some time previous to the renovation, and is seen walking through the bare-bones home sharing stories about each room before the gut job began. Claudia Williams, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024 In the four years previous to that Flamengo and Palmeiras dominated South American football winning two titles each. Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 The other alleged incident happened previous to the plaintiff’s full-time employment with Ye’s operations, which started in 2021. Dennis Romero, NBC News, 13 Oct. 2024 Pulte lived in Florida previous to his nomination to lead the independent agency, but his family has roots in metro Detroit. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 Jan. 2022 See All Example Sentences for previous to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous to
Preposition
  • On fourth-and-12, Weaver bought time in the pocket before finding Gabriel Bess uncovered on a wheel route out of the backfield for a 28-yard touchdown to put Heritage up 23-14 at halftime.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Speaking to the crowd before the march, Eve Devitt, an Idaho human rights activist, said that LGBTQ+ history is built on fighting for rights, which makes the community stronger.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Smith had multiple run-ins with the law prior to the 2012 incident.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In turn, inflammation disrupts the effects of insulin to signal cells to make appropriate adjustments prior to receiving the glucose.
    Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • While it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains operational, the E-2 visa does not provide a direct path to permanent residency.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Even though Josh and Arteta have a good relationship, stemming back to when Arteta played for the club, Lewis is the conduit between the club and ownership.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Previous to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous%20to. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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