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 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 Scott Cooper had offered me a movie previous to Deliver Me from Nowhere. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 31 July 2025 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 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 See All Example Sentences for previous to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous to

Preposition

The seven-term lawmaker had been seen as one of the leading candidates in California's gubernatorial race before dropping out after the accusations surfaced.

— ERIC TUCKER, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
Florida law requires that a judge be admitted to the Florida Bar for at least five years before taking office (with no requirement for actual experience, just the fact of possessing a law license).

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

Villapudua had previously served as a planning commissioner for the city prior to being elected to the city council.

— CBS News, CBS News, 29 Oct. 2026
That represents 18% of annual operating expenses and is almost triple the safety wall the state built just prior to the Great Recession of 2007-09.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of prior to

Preposition

The parties agreed to a framework for an agreement in May that required everyone who filed a claim to sign off.

— John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2026
The Boise State defense also produced a turnover-on-downs in the final minutes, batting away several shots at the end zone to hold the Cougars to 10 points.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of previous to

preposition

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