previous to

Definition of previous tonext
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
  • He was originally signed as a depth linebacker but was forced into the starting lineup following the abrupt departure of Josey Jewell before training camp.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Originally born in Colorado and raised in Colorado Springs, Good had just dropped her 6-year-old son off at school before being killed, according to the Associated Press.
    Austen Erblat, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Preposition
  • Garett Bolles of the Denver Broncos runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver.
    Alan Gionet, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
  • In both cases, Price’s staff had flagged the potential conflict of interest prior to the votes, prosecutors said.
    City News Service, Daily News, 20 Jan. 2026
Preposition
  • Johnson said that the animal caused extensive damage to his home, costing tens of thousands of dollars.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The Joshua School does not have access to the bus video or activities that occur on the bus.
    Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Previous to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous%20to. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.

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