PRIOR TO Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

prior to

preposition

Definition of prior to

as in before

earlier than make sure all revisions are approved by the author prior to publication

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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 to The paradox is that unpaved parking lots aren’t allowed either, dating back to the city’s 2023 zoning code update, even though that’s how the property has been used on busy days for decades prior to the city’s new land-use plan. — Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 22 Oct. 2026 The repositioning of forces is similar to what occurred quietly prior to the start of the war with Iran in February, according to the source. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 Even after Ball tripped Adebayo and knocked him out of the Heat-Charlotte Hornets play-in tournament game early last season, Spoelstra said the Heat left that moment in the past when asked about the play prior to Wednesday’s season opener. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 Select a Standard or Preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available. — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior to

Preposition

Assembly Republican Leader Alexandra Macedo, R-Tulare, did not explicitly say that the governor should hold off on commuting sentences, but urged him to consider the parents who had to bury their children before making the decision.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Those earlier tests helped engineers evaluate the system before moving to a live missile flight.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

Whereas any type of ALPR data sharing previous to Flock had to go through the National Crime Information Center, which does require a magistrate judge to look at the overall context of a situation and then issue a warrant to allow tracking.

— Nilay Patel, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026
See the top 10 At those intersections in particular, there were a high number of accidents previous to the roundabouts.

— Susan Bromley, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of previous to

Preposition

The parties agreed to a framework for an agreement in May that required everyone who filed a claim to sign off.

— John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
The Boise State defense also produced a turnover-on-downs in the final minutes, batting away several shots at the end zone to hold the Cougars to 10 points.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of to

Browse Nearby Words

priority

prior to

priory

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“Prior to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prior%20to. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of prior to

preposition

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