PREVIOUS TO Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

previous to

preposition

Definition of previous to

as in before

earlier than his passport arrived just previous to his trip

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 previous to 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 Pulte lived in Florida previous to his nomination to lead the independent agency, but his family has roots in metro Detroit. — Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 Jan. 2022 Kent, originally from Sutton, graduated from the State Police Academy in 2022 and did not have a disciplinary record previous to this incident, the Herald previously reported. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for previous to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous to

Preposition

Within seconds, cheers echo across the mountain valley as a vehicle soars through the sky before plummeting down below.

— Carmela Asmar, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Gibson retires the first two batters before giving up a single to Paul Goldschmidt, followed by the homer barrage.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

The series takes place six years prior to the events of the first film and covers the high school years of a teenage Elle Woods (Lexi Minetree plays the character Reese Witherspoon originally played).

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Six years before Karl Benz’s first car and almost two decades prior to Henry Ford’s initial inventions, George Selden filed the first patent for a road engine, in 1879.

— Lonnie G. Bunch III, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026

Definition of prior to

Preposition

Nets belt winless Warriors Blue Egor Demin had 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists to lead the Brooklyn Nets to a 100-79 victory over the Golden State Warriors Blue in Monday’s early game.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Every travel day requires a spacious carry-on bag that’s comfortable to schlep through the airport and spacious enough to hold your in-flight essentials.

— Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Definition of to

Browse Nearby Words

previously

previous to

prevision

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Style

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

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Synonyms of previous to

preposition

Example Sentences

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