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 The city previously issued bonds in 2024 to finance sewer system extensions. — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026 Know More Democrats have previously come up short in trying to defeat Fitzpatrick, who is one of the few House Republicans representing a district won by Kamala Harris in 2024. — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2026 The French fashion house had previously signed Bellingham as a brand ambassador. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 Weighing around four pounds, the six by four foot penacho previously featured several sections of different colored feathers along with gold ornaments on a net held in place by slim wooden rods. — News Desk, Artforum, 12 Oct. 2026 Kreiz, who previously served as the chairman of Fox Kids Europe, joined the company in 2018 and started his search for an entertainment chief. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026 Stepping onto the train felt surreal, an experience previously confined to my trips aboard. — Sophia Dyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026 The Justice Department said he previously was convicted of drug trafficking in Italy in 1997 under that alias. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Simpson, who previously served as president of Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way Productions, joined Color Force as a partner in 2012. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for previously

Adverb

Her party is already the largest opposition party in parliament, and a snap legislative election following the presidential vote could entrench it further.

— Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Wider shipping disruptions While some operators remain willing to transit Hormuz, much of the global container shipping industry has already adjusted its networks to avoid the strait.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of already

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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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of previously

adverb

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