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 Some of our tester’s family members had used the service prior to the tester trying Ancestry. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 Once that period ends, the company is required to attempt to make contact with the owner prior to escheatment. New York Daily News Special Sections, New York Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026 Ludacris, Carter Faith and Morgan Wade had left the lineup prior to Shinedown’s decision. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 17 Feb. 2026 In addition, prior to Nabi’s appointment, sources pointed to the fact that Coty was weighed down by two other factors. Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior to
Preposition
  • Ireland, the Steelers and the Rooney connection The Rooney family, the Steelers’ majority owners, trace their roots to Ireland, where their ancestors emigrated from in the 1840s before eventually settling in Pittsburgh.
    Tom Chitty, CNBC, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Similarly, footage showing federal agents killing Alex Pretti revealed the ICU nurse was holding a phone in his right hand, and an officer removing a gun from his back waistband before the shooting.
    Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 15 Feb. 2026
Preposition
  • Scott Cooper had offered me a movie previous to Deliver Me from Nowhere.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 July 2025
  • Researchers tested this process, known as photothermal catalysis, in the laboratory using a simulant based on samples of lunar regolith returned to Earth by China's Chang'e 5 mission (the lunar samples are far too previous to destroy in such experiments, which is why a simulant is used instead).
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 July 2025
Preposition
  • Know More The administration’s approach to the actual cases never fit the pattern of a new antitrust movement.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • For all its homage to maritime heritage, the rooms themselves do not skimp on contemporary comforts.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 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 20 Feb. 2026.

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