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 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
  • During a soft lockdown, the school’s teachers are asked to check the hallways for staff and students before locking doors and windows.
    Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Many have been wondering if WWE will end up giving Cargill her first world title reign in professional wrestling before the end of 2025.
    Fernando Quiles Jr, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • An affiliate of real estate firm Z&L Properties had owned the site for several years prior to the foreclosure.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • If the higher temperature isn’t reasonable for sheets that can’t be laundered in hot water or to reduce the wear on your sheets, use the dryer at high heat for at least 15 minutes prior to washing to eliminate the dust mites.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • Instead of disclosing her condition to her employer and circles of friends, Sickler pulled back from modeling with little explanation, thinking that the absence of her hair would certainly result in the loss of her contract.
    Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Elliott’s introduction to life in the Midlands has been slow-going, broadly due to circumstances beyond his control.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2025.

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