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 That also includes the option of strikes prior to next month's midterm elections. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026 Fire officials said the driver suffered a medical emergency prior to the bus hitting the home. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 The year prior to that, Biologique Recherche had generated sales of about 40 million euros, according to industry sources. — Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 Head’s health issues prior to his death from pneumonia complications have not been made public. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior to

Preposition

The January 16, 2027 slot once again falls the day after the end of nomination voting in the Academy Awards on January 15, and before the January 21 nominations announcement.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026
Belgal was shot by ICE Thursday, according to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who said agents surrounded the man and a 5-year-old child in his car before firing multiple times.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 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

That year, after Israeli officials castigated Qatar for allegedly financing Hamas, the Qataris began demanding formal documentation of an arrangement the two governments had agreed was meant to provide relief to citizens of the beleaguered enclave.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
The alternate versions certainly add extra bite, and a few outtakes could have made it to the main tracklist.

— Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of to

Browse Nearby Words

priority

prior to

priory

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Style

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

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Synonyms of prior to

preposition

Example Sentences

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