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 Two of the witnesses left prior to closing and walked to another nearby bar. Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2026 And the clips also appear to show one officer removing a weapon from Pretti’s person prior to any shots being fired. Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026 In response to Rosselló’s disregard for Puerto Rican citizens prior to the release of the chat, the feminist group La Colectiva Feminista en Construcción (known locally as La Cole) mobilized its members and their collaborators to spark the beginnings of these protests. Julyssa Lopez, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026 In the event of cancellation, Sponsor will award the Prize in a drawing from among all eligible, non-suspect entries received prior to cancellation. AJC.com, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior to
Preposition
  • Denver activated the undrafted rookie before the postseason.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Morales grabbed a patio chair to fend off his attackers before running away with his assailants in tow, prosecutors said.
    City News Service, Oc Register, 25 Jan. 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
  • Johnson said that the animal caused extensive damage to his home, costing tens of thousands of dollars.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The Joshua School does not have access to the bus video or activities that occur on the bus.
    Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 9 Jan. 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 31 Jan. 2026.

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