Definition of priornext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word prior distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of prior are antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, and previous. While all these words mean "being before," previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance.

a child from a previous marriage
a prior obligation

In what contexts can antecedent take the place of prior?

While in some cases nearly identical to prior, antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When might anterior be a better fit than prior?

Although the words anterior and prior have much in common, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When can foregoing be used instead of prior?

The meanings of foregoing and prior largely overlap; however, foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When is it sensible to use former instead of prior?

The words former and prior can be used in similar contexts, but former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When is preceding a more appropriate choice than prior?

In some situations, the words preceding and prior are roughly equivalent. However, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

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 prior The report further says that 13% of Cigna’s benefits require prior authorization compared to 32% for ConnectiCare, 38% for United HealthCare and 4% for Anthem. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2026 Members with a prior history of unpaid negative balances are not eligible for Overdraft Coverage. Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 22 June 2026 Those lamentable prior actions, of course, include overly generous pension benefits for state workers and public school teachers. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 But prior work examined recycling as the only option. Eric Williams, Fortune, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior
Adjective
  • The fact that every single main cast member is on the ballot suggests that HBO made sure all main cast members were submitted and then allowed recurring performers to submit themselves.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 20 June 2026
  • However, that change requires the Green Mountain Care Board, the state's main healthcare regulator, to go through a rulemaking process, which would not be finalized by the start of the coming hospital fiscal year in October, delaying the pricing reform implementation.
    OLIVIA GIEGER VTDigger, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • That's a decrease of $8-14 million from the previous estimates.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • That monitoring period was set because symptoms of hantavirus have taken as long as 42 days to appear in previous outbreaks.
    Josh Funk, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • LondonReuters — King Charles will not live at Buckingham Palace after its 10-year refurbishment finishes next year, royal officials said on Thursday, ending nearly two centuries of the central London landmark serving as the British monarch’s primary residence.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • Who enforces Assembly Bill 660 The primary responsibility for enforcing Assembly Bill 660, an amendment to the California Retail Food Code, falls on local enforcement, a spokesperson with the California Department of Public Health said.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Giants second baseman Luis Arraez left Tuesday night’s game against the Athletics after fouling a ball off his right foot in the bottom of the first inning and is questionable for Wednesday night’s matchup.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
  • Karaban earned first-team All-Big East Conference honors as a senior this season.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • American resumes flights American Airlines, the predominant carrier at Miami International Airport, resumed its service to Venezuela between Miami and Caracas in late April after a multi-year hiatus.
    David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
  • During the Indianapolis 500 Sunday, Busch was honored on the 18th lap of the race, 18 being the predominant number on his stock car.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
Adjective
  • This decision was made with the best interests of our students and families as the foremost priority, ensuring that Chartiers Valley students continue to receive safe, reliable, and consistent transportation to and from school.
    Jessica Riley, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • Kuperwasser, who served in the Israeli military for 35 years, believes that Hezbollah’s foremost goal is to return to the south along with the civilian population, a possibility repeatedly ruled out by Israel’s high command.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Brazil cruised past Scotland in a dominant victory in Miami.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 June 2026
  • Without registering a goal or an assist, Pedri has been the best passer in a Spain midfield unit that has looked secure and dominant with the ball, albeit against two far less talented opponents.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • Christiano Ronaldo scores a goal against Morocco to become the all-time leading European goalscorer (85) in international compitition.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • And the script’s very cute but deeply dumb leading man, Alex (Nico Carney), climbs a flight of stairs toward his best friend’s bedroom door.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Prior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prior. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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