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 The choice to move forward with the work is rather contentious, as legal requirements stipulate at least 14 days’ notice in a legal filing prior to beginning construction. — Hikmat Mohammed, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 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 The news comes one day prior to the first-ever Daisy Chain Fields, a daylong event taking place in Irvine, California. — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior 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

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
The six Bakersfield locations hosted their grand openings three weeks previous to last weekend’s openings.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026

Definition of previous to

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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 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prior to

preposition

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