PREVIOUSLY Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

previously

adverb

Definition of previously

as in earlier

so as to precede something in order of time he had prepared the meat stocks previously so as to make things easier on the day of the big dinner

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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 previously It was widely believed that Koval, 20, opted out in opposition to LSU’s signing 6-foot-5 Russian center Anna Minaeva, who previously played professionally for MBA Moscow. — David K. Li, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026 Moreno had previously put the club up for sale in August 2022 before pulling the team off the market five months later. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Santa Monica has previously had beach-adjacent concerts, like the decades-old Twilight concert series on the Pier, which recently ended. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 The developments mark key steps in tackling an economic crisis sparked by the discovery of previously unreported debt. — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The Senate had previously passed this legislation as part of a continuing resolution. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 2 Sep. 2026 The pair recognized the spider as a member of the genus Hexura, which has previously been known to live in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, Canada, but never in Idaho. — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026 The company previously brought us the quick-mount CargoMate front rack, along with the Green Disc+'s predecessor, the Lubri Disc. — New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026 The lawsuit, first reported by the Times of San Diego, contains previously unreported details about the shooting and the events leading up to it. — Will Carless, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for previously

Adverb

Some people are already the essence of themselves as children, and many others don’t get there until fifty or beyond.

— Gloria Steinem, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Georgians are extremely anti-Putin, but their government has already begun playing footsy with the Russian regime.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of already

Adverb

Nor did Governor Shin Hyun Song rule out another tap of the brakes in the months ahead.

— William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Crews may benefit from slightly cooler temperatures in the days ahead, Gass said, and wind conditions are expected to remain fairly calm in both areas.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of ahead

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previously

previous to

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“Previously.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previously. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of previously

adverb

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