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 Although Bridgers hasn’t previously covered Nirvana, her band boygenius did recreate the rock band’s iconic Rolling Stone 1994 cover image in 2023. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026 The most useful example turned out to be something Alexa had previously done very well. — New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026 Lively initially asked for treble damages and punitive damages as well, but Liman previously ruled that those were not available under federal law. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 Even in households that have never previously discussed screen time, forced limits on social platforms – if they’re enacted – may spark changes and conversations, according to experts. — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The depot in the Tambov region southeast of Moscow, which is several hundred kilometers (miles) from the Ukrainian border, was previously hit on July 18 when seven people were killed. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 Werner is the son of Mary Boone and Michael Werner and has previously worked at both of his parents’ galleries. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Jackson previously worked under Emery at Villarreal, where the striker scored 13 goals before joining Chelsea in the summer of 2023. — David Ornstein, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 An entertainer and philanthropist, Parton had previously had a series of health issues that led her to postpone several public appearances and performances. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for previously

Adverb

From the moment Billie learns about Sophie-Rose, the teenager who inherited her legendary fake ID after it was already passed down to multiple other Gen-Z blondes, she’s obsessed.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Announced just last week, fans are already in throes of excitement, with scores of late-night launch events lined up internationally.

— Kyle MacNeill, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of already

Adverb

Nor did Governor Shin Hyun Song rule out another tap of the brakes in the months ahead.

— William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Crews may benefit from slightly cooler temperatures in the days ahead, Gass said, and wind conditions are expected to remain fairly calm in both areas.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of ahead

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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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of previously

adverb

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