Synonyms of prior

prior

adjective

ˈprī(-ə)r 

1

as in main

coming before all others in importance

this assignment will be prior to any other work you may have

Synonyms & Similar Words

• main
• highest
• primary
• first
• greatest
• predominant
• dominant
• foremost
• leading
• big
• principal
• key
• central
• chief
• supreme
• paramount
• cardinal
• overriding
• great
• premier
• primal
• number one
• master
• overbearing
• capital
• sovereign
• No. 1
• major
• top
• outstanding
• numero uno
• grand
• distinguished
• notable
• preeminent
• overmastering
• important
• senior
• noteworthy
• arch
• stellar
• illustrious
• signal
• prestigious
• high-level
• superior
• eminent
• momentous
• sovran
• influential
• significant
• incomparable
• famous
• unparalleled
• star
• unequalled
• famed
• celebrated
• renowned
• noble
• mighty
• unequaled
• unsurpassed
• matchless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• last
• least
• minor
• slight
• negligible
• trivial
• unimportant
• secondary
• insignificant
• subordinate
• inferior
• collateral
• inconsequential
• trifling
• inconsiderable
• subsidiary

2

as in previous

going before another in time or order

we've made prior arrangements

Synonyms & Similar Words

• previous
• preceding
• early
• earliest
• precedent
• initial
• former
• foregoing
• antecedent
• original
• anterior
• first
• advance
• premature
• preliminary
• introductory
• preexisting
• pioneer
• inaugural
• maiden
• erstwhile
• whilom

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• subsequent
• following
• later
• after
• succeeding
• ensuing
• posterior
• late
• last
• final
• advanced
• latter
• latest
• concluding
• ultimate
• terminal
• closing

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

Recent Examples of prior

Ross took over for Joe Maddon, who five years earlier replaced Rick Renteria in a prior example of the Cubs dumping a first-time manager for a more experienced, accomplished hand. —Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025

Anthropic says its new AI model can code for longer than prior versions. —John Kell, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025

Many of our prior standout entries, in fact, came from students with little or no journalism or podcasting experience. —Janet W. Lee, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025

Bringing together senior military leadership would typically take months to plan, and prior notice would have to be given well in advance, as officers could be coming in from overseas. —The Hill Staff, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025

Phrases Containing prior

• prior to