PRIOR TO Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

prior to

preposition

Definition of prior to

as in before

earlier than make sure all revisions are approved by the author prior to publication

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 prior to Spokespeople for the university and Skydance did not respond to requests for comment prior to publication. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 29 Oct. 2026 The form will be given to you two days prior to the day your county certifies the election, so be sure to fill it out and return it to your county elections office right away. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026 Most contractors suggest that homeowners address any issues prior to the snow and ice setting in. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026 Fox News’ declines have no recent precedent in the month prior to an election. — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior 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

Whereas any type of ALPR data sharing previous to Flock had to go through the National Crime Information Center, which does require a magistrate judge to look at the overall context of a situation and then issue a warrant to allow tracking.

— Nilay Patel, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026
See the top 10 At those intersections in particular, there were a high number of accidents previous to the roundabouts.

— Susan Bromley, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of previous 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

priority

prior to

priory

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“Prior to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prior%20to. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of prior to

preposition

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