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 default judgment reflects the shortcomings of prior representation, not any wrongdoing by Mr. Allen. Daniela Avila, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025 Two of Poore's prior victims testified during the trial about his abuse, according to the release. Rafael Escalera Montoto, Arkansas Online, 20 Aug. 2025 As prosecutors prepared for another hearing in July 2022, Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Paulson reached out to Carson about his prior testimony. Ashley Luthern, jsonline.com, 20 Aug. 2025 In practice, there was no onboarding, unclear expectations and no acknowledgment of her prior success. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior
Adjective
  • The report outlined three main policy goals: improving student literacy, strengthening the teacher workforce, and empowering parents.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Blood of My Blood tells the origin stories of the Outlander main characters' families, in this epic romantic drama.
    H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The skid is a new season-long, surpassing two previous six-game losing streaks — all of which have come since the calendar turned to July.
    Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Gordon’s previous three starts were a disaster, with 24 runs (23 earned) allowed in 10 1/3 innings.
    Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • At Alpha Prime, Optum will be the primary sponsor for his No. 45 Chevrolet and the Josh Williams Hospital Tour (JWHT).
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
  • This time the logo appeared as part of a broader Leidos sponsorship on Bubba Wallace’s Toyota, giving the Space Force visibility within a partnership rather than as the primary branding.
    Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Luis Quiñones #23 of UANL Tigres controls the ball against Emilio Lara (L) #23 of América during the first half of the Campeon de Campeones final at Dignity Health Sports Park on June 30, 2024 in Carson, California.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
  • That said, the Revolution had promising spells of attacking play and even looked the more dangerous side in the first half.
    Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Marilyn Miller Language Academy is an elementary school with 526 students and a predominant Hispanic population of 69%, according to state data from the 2023-24 school year, the latest available.
    Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Even as broadband and wireless internet became the predominant way people access the internet, AOL never stopped offering its sluggish service that connects people to its service over a landline.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Here is what to keep an eye out for as the Premier League makes its return. Champions at a canter last time out, Liverpool have embarked on the kind of spending spree the most dominant teams in the Premier League seldom indulge in.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Overall, the Steelers defense has often been dominant against the first-team offense in camp.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    James DiNardo, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Cornell was the foremost beneficiary of the Morrill Act Both Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin are land-grant universities that profited from lands taken from Indigenous nations, as did at least 50 other universities throughout the U.S.
    Frank Vaisvilas, jsonline.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Nevertheless, there are considerable risks for Newsom, and he’s only added to the potential pitfalls by taking a leading role in the redistricting fight.
    Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025
  • Mead landed another leading voice role in 2001, portraying the titular character on the cartoon Lloyd in Space until 2004.
    Keith Langston, People.com, 5 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prior. Accessed 25 Aug. 2025.

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