prior to

Definition of prior tonext
as in before
earlier than make sure all revisions are approved by the author prior to publication

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Because Blue Origin had not integrated that payload prior to the hot fire test, those satellites were unharmed in the explosion. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 June 2026 The firm also said the 811 hotline reported that utility location had been performed prior to the start of work at the complex. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026 One day prior to being sentenced in Bates County, the Linn County Attorney’s Office and the Kansas attorney general expanded on the three previous counts to bring the number to five and include a charge of 2nd degree murder. Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026 Down to their last two outs, the Loganville baseball team could only recall the message that senior Jake Boland had delivered to the team in the tunnel prior to restarting the Class 5A championship game after a three-hour rain delay. Stan Awtrey, AJC.com, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior to
Preposition
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2026
  • This policy has remained largely consistent through recent seasons and applies across Grand Slams and tour events (with some exceptions like Wimbledon in 2022, which briefly went further and banned them entirely before reversing course).
    Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2026
Preposition
  • The six Bakersfield locations hosted their grand openings three weeks previous to last weekend’s openings.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026
  • Court papers say the note was written previous to his suicide and in connection with an earlier apparent suicide attempt.
    USA Today, USA Today, 7 May 2026
Preposition
  • Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 8 June 2026
  • Not all of the theorizing stands fully upright to scrutiny or time, but that’s sort of beside the point.
    Leander Schaerlaeckens June 8, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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