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

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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 choice to move forward with the work is rather contentious, as legal requirements stipulate at least 14 days’ notice in a legal filing prior to beginning construction. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 The deal also extends the expiration date of non-refundable tax credits issued prior to 2025 by up to five years. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026 Aryna Sabalenka walks on the court with her dog prior to a practice session on Arthur Ashe Kids Day during the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sunday, August 23, 2026 in Flushing, NY. — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The news comes one day prior to the first-ever Daisy Chain Fields, a daylong event taking place in Irvine, California. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior to

Preposition

Mendonca recently unsealed federal police documents that showed that Banco Master owner Daniel Vorcaro frequently sought de Moraes' legal advice before his arrest.

— MAURICIO SAVARESE, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
Chris Simms and Connor Rogers break down Patriots-Seahawks, debating whether New England can establish the run against Seattle's front before revealing their NFL Kickoff Game predictions.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 10 Sep. 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

Salvador Perez hit a bases-clearing double to draw the Royals to within 5-4, but the tying run was stranded at third.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor had to gather his emotions because the hardest part of Saturday’s last-second loss to Michigan was still to come.

— Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 8 Sep. 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prior to

preposition

Example Sentences

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