PRIOR Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'prior' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of prior are antecedent , anterior , foregoing , former , preceding , and previous . While all these words mean "being before," previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance. // a child from a previous marriage // a prior obligation

Q: In what contexts can 'antecedent' take the place of 'prior'?

While in some cases nearly identical to prior , antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation. // conditions antecedent to the revolution

Q: When might 'anterior' be a better fit than 'prior'?

Although the words anterior and prior have much in common, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order. // the anterior lobe of the brain

Q: When can 'foregoing' be used instead of 'prior'?

The meanings of foregoing and prior largely overlap; however, foregoing applies chiefly to statements. // the foregoing remarks

Q: When is it sensible to use 'former' instead of 'prior'?

The words former and prior can be used in similar contexts, but former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter. // the former name of the company

Q: When is 'preceding' a more appropriate choice than 'prior'?

In some situations, the words preceding and prior are roughly equivalent. However, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place. // the preceding sentence

prior

adjective

ˈprī(-ə)r

Definition of prior

as in main

coming before all others in importance this assignment will be prior to any other work you may have

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in previous

going before another in time or order we've made prior arrangements

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word prior distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of prior are antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, and previous. While all these words mean "being before," previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance.

a child from a previous marriage

a prior obligation

In what contexts can antecedent take the place of prior?

While in some cases nearly identical to prior, antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When might anterior be a better fit than prior?

Although the words anterior and prior have much in common, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When can foregoing be used instead of prior?

The meanings of foregoing and prior largely overlap; however, foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When is it sensible to use former instead of prior?

The words former and prior can be used in similar contexts, but former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When is preceding a more appropriate choice than prior?

In some situations, the words preceding and prior are roughly equivalent. However, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

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 Five of the men face up to three years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000, prosecutors said, while Castorena faces up to six years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000 due to a prior strike offense. — Jasmine Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 PwC described 2025 as London's strongest year for IPO activity since 2021, though volumes were still well below the levels seen the prior year. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 2 July 2026 This platform streamlines patient access to therapies by connecting drug makers, prescribers, and pharmacies, effectively reducing barriers like financial hurdles and prior authorizations. — Bruce Japsen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The company argued that EPA regulations prohibit manufacturers from changing safety warnings without the agency’s prior approval, which Monsanto never asked to do. — Sarah J. Morath, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior

Adjective

Of the 33 schools awarded grants, 19 schools opted for main entrance improvements while 14 chose to modernize their check-in and visitor badging systems.

— Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
India’s main stock index last month outperformed other emerging markets by the most since November, and foreign outflows hit a four-month low.

— J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of main

Adjective

The changes allow stocks to be eligible to join the index 15 days after an IPO, compared to a previous wait period of at least three months.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Prior to the Balogun gift, the only previous time a World Cup red card was nullified during the tournament was in 1962 when FIFA overturned the suspension of Brazil star Garrincha.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026

Definition of previous

Adjective

The former second-round pick is suddenly one of the Lakers’ primary summer league players and hopes to use the experience as an important stepping stone, building up his game while also establishing a leadership voice.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Both the primary and extension drive use the standard 1/4-inch hex specification, which, according to the creators, will cover over 95% of random everyday tasks – from bicycle maintenance to small home repairs and furniture assembly.

— Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 July 2026

Definition of primary

Adjective

The Kings led 28-22 at the end of the first quarter and carried a 55-48 advantage into the halftime break.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Tehran has paused fragile negotiations with the US aimed at reaching a lasting deal to end their conflict during the multi-day funeral for Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike in February, on the first day of the war.

— Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Definition of first

Adjective

The day’s matches started off with a thrilling contest between Norway and the Ivory Coast, which went all the way down to the final minutes before one of the tournament’s foremost stars scored a crucial goal to send the Norwegians through.

— Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.

— Vaidotas Juknys, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of foremost

Adjective

Then Ryan played his part in achieving those goals Sunday, posting a dominant performance in New York.

— Dan Hayes, New York Times, 6 July 2026
The Angels dropped their fifth straight and 11th in 17 games, while Gray’s six-game run of dominant quality starts continues despite an All-Star snub.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of dominant

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prints

prior

prioress

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“Prior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prior. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of prior

adjective

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Phrases Containing prior

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Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on prior

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