previous to

preposition

Definition of previous tonext
as in before
earlier than his passport arrived just previous to his trip

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 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
  1. before
  2. prior to
  3. to
Preposition
  • The 24-time Grand Slam champion appeared to suffer a cramp in his left foot, threw up, and took a medical time-out to have his back massaged between the fourth and fifth sets before losing to Argentine player Mariano Navone.
    — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026
  • By taking stem cells from a host’s own body and encouraging them to differentiate before mixing them with a commercially available, soluble matrix gel, researchers may have cracked the most critical problems in the transplant process.
    — Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of before
Preposition
  • The deal also extends the expiration date of non-refundable tax credits issued prior to 2025 by up to five years.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Aryna Sabalenka walks on the court with her dog prior to a practice session on Arthur Ashe Kids Day during the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sunday, August 23, 2026 in Flushing, NY.
    — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of prior to
Preposition
  • The 63-year-old Davis was convicted Monday of murder with the use of a deadly weapon and could be sentenced to life in prison.
    — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Immediately, Osaka was drawn to the style legacy of basketball player Allen Iverson.
    — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of to

Browse Nearby Words

previously
previous to
prevision
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Previous to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous%20to. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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