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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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 Request the names and numbers of any bystanders who saw the incident or noticed the wet floor prior to your fall. — Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2026 The Mets announced Huskey’s death prior to their game against the Washington Nationals. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026 Of the seven mayors prior to Gloria, three resigned in scandal or crisis and four never won another election. — Carl Luna, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026 But Carro did signal that defense lawyers could raise the issue if Mangione struck a plea deal prior to the state trial. — Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior to

Preposition

European observers will see the moon low in the western sky before dawn, creating dramatic opportunities to see and photograph the eclipsed moon above city skylines, coastlines and mountain landscapes as morning twilight begins.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Swiatek then jumped out to a 40-0 lead before converting her second match point.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of before

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

Definition of previous to

Preposition

My heart grieves for someone so special to this world and such a good friend to me.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
She was inspired by the example of Sarah Nixon, who, from 2001 to 2021, planted flowers in neighbors’ yards in Toronto and sold weekly flower-bucket and arrangement subscriptions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of prior to

preposition

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