previous to

preposition

Synonyms of previous tonext
: prior to, before

Synonyms of previous to

Relevance
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Examples of previous to in a Sentence

his passport arrived just previous to his trip
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Scott Cooper had offered me a movie previous to Deliver Me from Nowhere. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 July 2025 Court papers say the note was written previous to his suicide and in connection with an earlier apparent suicide attempt. — USA Today, 7 May 2026 The six Bakersfield locations hosted their grand openings three weeks previous to last weekend’s openings. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026 His six league goals last season represent a modest return, especially after back-to-back double-digit campaigns previous to this. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for previous to

Word History

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of previous to was in 1698

Rhymes for previous to

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Browse Nearby Words

previous question
previous to
previse
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Cite this Entry

“Previous to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/previous%20to. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

previous to

preposition
: prior to, before
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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