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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 biggest surprise came when the season’s top lot—Mark Rothko’s 1965 Chapel-series masterpiece Untitled (Plum and Dark Brown)—was withdrawn prior to bidding. — Hok-Hang Cheung, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 Numerous screenings were already sold out prior to the doc’s premiere. — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026 Before taking the reins at Mattel in 2018, Kreiz had led Maker Studios as CEO prior to its acquisition by Disney and also run Endemol Group and Fox Kids Europe. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026 Even Achane wanted his quarterback to run more prior to the injury. — Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior to

Preposition

The button placement is great for beginners and allows new users to start straight away before moving up to more advanced shooting.

— Harry Bennett, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Harvey has worked in the sport for more than three decades, with stops at Bradford City, Leeds and the EFL before becoming a director at Wrexham in 2023.

— Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

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
The six Bakersfield locations hosted their grand openings three weeks previous to last weekend’s openings.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026

Definition of previous to

Preposition

The aircraft is particularly suited to Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), maritime surveillance, anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
But that condition applies to all affectionate bonds and doesn’t, on its own, identify attachment.

— Pascal Vrticka, Scientific American, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of to

Browse Nearby Words

priority

prior to

priory

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Style

“Prior to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prior%20to. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of prior to

preposition

Example Sentences

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