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 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 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

Perez chugged around the bases before belly-flopping into third base with his trademark smile.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
Cox then walked into frame wearing a light pink bathrobe before draping her dark hair over Aniston’s head.

— Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

She was ordered to stay out of Barrow County as a condition of her probation prior to the shooting.

— Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
Under Assembly Bill 481, law enforcement agencies are required to obtain approval prior to the purchase or use of military equipment, along with an annual report of how the technology has been deployed in the previous year.

— Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of prior to

Preposition

Supply began 2025 near $205 billion, crossed $300 billion on October 3 after 47% year-to-date growth, and peaked this May.

— Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
His own organization, My Brother’s Keeper, spent around $27,000 this year alone on Uber vouchers to get participants to their events.

— Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026

Definition of to

Browse Nearby Words

previously

previous to

prevision

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Style

“Previous to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous%20to. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of previous to

preposition

Example Sentences

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