A PRIORI Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

a priori 1 of 2

adjective

ˌä-prē-ˈȯr-ē

Definition of a priori

as in inferable

being or provable by reasoning in which the conclusion follows necessarily from given information an a priori argument for the defendant's innocence

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

a priori

2 of 2

adverb

as in early

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 a priori

Adjective

This sort of a priori justification for ESAs explains a few things. — Chandler Fritz, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 One of his most significant contributions was introducing new mathematical tools to model and incorporate a priori data—which relies on deductive reasoning to make predictions—to address signal recovery challenges. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Oct. 2024 Knowing a priori which stocks will outperform the market is also much more difficult than reviewing the trends that occurred in the past. — Wayne Winegarden, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 Alongside this effort, wildlife trafficking should be designated as a predicate offense for wiretap authorizations, which would empower authorities to start gathering intelligence without having to prove a link to other crimes a priori. — Vanda Felbab-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 15 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for a priori

Recent Examples of Synonyms for a priori

Adjective

That would be demonstrated if general relativity is derivable from quantum gravity.

— Amanda Gefter, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024
And to little purpose, there being agreement among most faiths on the important morals, generally derivable from the golden rule.

— Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2024

Definition of derivable

Adverb

Zelenskyy said that earlier this year the Defense Ministry had told him that SpaceX had agreed to allow Ukraine to use Starlink over Russian territory to carry out deep strike operations, subject to political approval.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
In addition, a law creating new asylum eligibility requirements, including new time limits for applying, went into effect earlier this year.

— Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of early

Adjective

None are credible challengers; Matt Conroy is the more reasoned and moderate of the three.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
This is a time for cool, calm and reasoned debate, and for legislators to think through the consequences of legislation put forth.

— Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2026

Definition of reasoned

Adverb

Finally, in the Harvard case, the complaint said that DOJ attorneys raised grave legal concerns after the government moved to cut off the school's funding prematurely and sought a settlement before any investigation had been completed.

— Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Within years, the iconoclastic comic was a weary and defeated man — broke, baggy-eyed, and prematurely old.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of prematurely

Adverb

But communities already are scrambling to store up road salt for the snowy season ahead.

— Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
Too early to tell, but the Viceroy name will, no doubt, bring Americans, who are already flooding into Portugal for vacation and often, to settle.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of already

Adverb

Abbott has previously said data centers should not be built in rural Texas neighborhoods and that developers must pay their own way and provide their own water and power.

— Jack Fink, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Immigrant advocates, medical professionals and lawmakers have previously raised concerns about conditions at the South Texas facility.

— Laura Romero, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of previously

Adverb

Tuesday's Dearborn City Council meeting was not business as usual, with anti-Islam protesters gathering before and during the meeting.

— DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
That is, again, different from last year; Glenn knew Wilks but had never worked with him before.

— Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of before

Browse Nearby Words

après

a priori

apropos

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“A priori.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/a%20priori. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of a priori

adjective

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on a priori

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

tilde

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes