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 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 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 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 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of previous to

preposition

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