PREVIOUSLY Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

previously

adverb

Definition of previously

as in earlier

so as to precede something in order of time he had prepared the meat stocks previously so as to make things easier on the day of the big dinner

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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 previously Rogers struggled during a July 9 meeting to assuage disability advocates' concerns about potential bureaucratic dysfunction caused by the shift, USA TODAY previously reported. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 He’d previously been expected to close out the convention’s second night but ended up swapping spots with Vice President JD Vance, the likely GOP nominee in the 2028 general election. — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2026 The president has previously promised a series of payments to Americans that have yet to emerge. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026 The state of New Jersey previously sued Amazon in October 2025, alleging widespread discrimination against pregnant workers and employees with disabilities. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026 Eagle Fire has previously identified the old station as the future home of an Ada County Paramedics advanced life support ambulance. — Noah Daly, Idaho Statesman, 9 Sep. 2026 Martin Herlihy, who previously appeared on-screen for four seasons as a member of Please Don’t Destroy and worked in the writers room on Season 51, has also exited the show. — Selome Hailu, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026 The president previously said the plane would be updated in October. — Nicholas Kerr, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026 Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey was previously at the top of the market at $18 million AAV. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for previously

Adverb

Some people are already the essence of themselves as children, and many others don’t get there until fifty or beyond.

— Gloria Steinem, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Georgians are extremely anti-Putin, but their government has already begun playing footsy with the Russian regime.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of already

Adverb

Slavia Prague The Czech champions briefly threatened an upset against Barcelona in the league phase last season, going ahead in sub-zero temperatures in Prague before the Catalan side turned up the heat to win 4-2.

— Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
But the Ducks ultimately held off a resilient Broncos team when wide receiver Dakorien Moore hauled in a 62-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dante Moore, putting Oregon ahead for good.

— Chantz Martin OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of ahead

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previously

previous to

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“Previously.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previously. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of previously

adverb

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