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 Existing subscribers will be notified roughly one month prior to being charged the new price. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026 The Thorns honored former player Tobin Heath prior to the match at Portland's Providence Park. — ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026 Goff, prior to the announcement of Strantz’s hiring, described the new position in an interview with The Star. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 22 Aug. 2026 The referrals were made prior to the watchdog publishing its findings this week. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prior to

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior to

Preposition

But his record of publicly interacting with Piker — including at a pool party just before the primary — remains a sore point among some Michigan Democrats.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Sima Sistani, who led WeightWatchers for close to three years before departing in 2024, is launching Liberation of Flowers, inspired by her Persian roots.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of before

Preposition

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

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 27 May 2026
Court papers say the note was written previous to his suicide and in connection with an earlier apparent suicide attempt.

— USA Today, USA Today, 7 May 2026

Definition of previous to

Preposition

From classic Amtrak routes crossing the Continental Divide to historic steam locomotives chugging through the state’s mining past, these journeys continue to preserve the stories, scenery and communities that helped shape the West.

— Jocelyn Rowley, Denver Post, 25 Aug. 2026
Investigators, legal experts, journalists and others tied to the case contribute first-hand testimony throughout the documentary.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of to

Browse Nearby Words

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 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of prior to

preposition

Example Sentences

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