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 Kent, originally from Sutton, graduated from the State Police Academy in 2022 and did not have a disciplinary record previous to this incident, the Herald previously reported. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for previous to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous to

Preposition

Get a bottle of wine from the Kinderhook Bottle Shop to enjoy on the inn porch before dinner at the Mediterranean small-plate restaurant Isola (which even offers a discount for guests of the inn).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Local authorities carried out regular inspections before granting the occupancy permit.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

The whole group has to pick someone to go away for a bit, prior to choosing tribes.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Shortly prior to their wedding, Cameron and the rocker appeared in Vogue Italia and discussed their quiet life together behind the scenes.

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of prior to

Preposition

Gen Z versus millennials The BofA analysis found that older millennials spent the most on hobbies in the three months to August, spending more than double per consumer than Gen Z, the cohort BofA identified as spending the least.

— Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026
In addition to this trendy cherry red, there are more colors to peruse including classic black, soft pale blue, approachable gray, and more.

— Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 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 29 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of previous to

preposition

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