previous to

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

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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 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 Miss Letty Tifft has gone to Minneapolis to select stock and work in a wholesale millinery store for a few weeks previous to the opening of the spring season. Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 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 In the 18 years previous to that, Nagy was an NFL scout. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for previous to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous to
Preposition
  • After a preliminary investigation, authorities determined the father fatally stabbed his sons and wife before killing himself.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • The 12 jurors spent a little more than five hours deliberating over two days before delivering their unanimous verdict.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025
Preposition
  • Lawyers for the Harris County traffic cop said missteps by an officer prior to an escalating event do not strip them of the right to self-defense thereafter.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • According to a statement from the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s office, Whiting was found in a bedroom with a gunshot wound to the head that occurred prior to the fire.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025
Preposition
  • Also expected to join his former team is forward Sam Alexis of Apopka, who transferred to Indiana.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 May 2025
  • To say anything about The Adventures of Pluto Nash in addition to what has already been said about The Adventures of Pluto Nash would be showing too much respect to The Adventures of Pluto Nash and, therefore, disrespectful to cinema. 17.
    Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 19 May 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 21 May. 2025.

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