prior to

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 Donors are asked to eat well and drink plenty of fluids prior to the blood drive. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 June 2025 While a guest on Seth Meyers on May 12, prior to welcoming Méi into the world, Olivia Munn said that Kim Munn told them that the American version of her name Dung was June. Sara Vallone, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025 While not the best of buddies prior to uniting on the Yankees, the two knew each other through a mutual friend, Lucas Giolito. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 June 2025 The singer was spotted out in New York yesterday (June 7) prior to her performance at the Governor’s Ball. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prior to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior to
Preposition
  • United Airlines provides a small discount for prepaid bags at least 24 hours before departure.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • Partial FlightRadar24 data obtained by NBC showed the plane circling Orange Beach area — a coastal city in Baldwin County — before heading north.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 29 June 2025
Preposition
  • With nine more seasons under his belt as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers previous to that, he's recorded a 102-103-2 overall record.
    George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024
  • In the 18 years previous to that, Nagy was an NFL scout.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Preposition
  • The transitions here from song to song feel very intentional.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 23 June 2025
  • Jussie Smollett proposed to boyfriend Jabari Redd this weekend, bringing the good news to his followers via social media.
    Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 23 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prior to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prior%20to. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on prior to

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!