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 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 See All Example Sentences for previous to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous to
Preposition
  • But this time, seemingly almost everyone was out there getting work in hours before the first pitch.
    Dhani Joseph, New York Times, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Brian tells Parisa to zip it The night before the rose ceremony, night-vision cameras rolled while Parisa cried in bed to Brian about their relationship.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Preposition
  • However, that doesn't mean the team doesn't need improvements prior to the trade deadline and a certain insider believes that could come in the form of a starting pitcher.
    Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • Call the Lottery office prior to your visit: 608-261-4916.
    Steven Martinez, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
Preposition
  • Kentucky recently broadened its tax incentives for data centers, expanding eligibility to all 120 counties.
    Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025
  • The Marion County Coroner’s Office said Smith Jr.'s cause of death was a gunshot to the head, but investigators found limited evidence to work with as the case went cold.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 30 July 2025

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“Previous to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous%20to. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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