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

Relevance

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 Just prior to being struck, the pedestrian, described only as male, was standing in the far right westbound lane of the freeway, possibly preparing to try to cross the roadway to the south on foot, the CHP reported. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2026 But the administration would have to conduct investigations prior to imposing those tariffs. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026 As previously reported, the airline has been offloading much of its fleet, which topped 200 Airbus jetliners prior to its latest Chapter 11 filing. David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026 Gray pitching Saturday Sonny Gray will make his Red Sox debut on Saturday, Cora announced prior to Tuesday’s game. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior to
Preposition
  • Even before the repeal, many automakers were scaling back their hybrid and EV ambitions over the last few years.
    Julian Torres, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
  • The ground-floor lounge sets the tone with soaring ceilings, plush couches, and a patisserie, before the city’s fastest elevator zips you to the 103rd floor for check-in and your first jaw-dropping view.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 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
  • The next morning, Billie pulls up to the clinic, with Albert still a mess in the back seat.
    Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Her reporting has taken her all over the world, from Patagonia to Tokyo to the Amazon Rainforest, and she is fascinated by the ways that travel intersects with style, food, music, nightlife, identity, and politics.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 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 1 Mar. 2026.

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