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

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 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of prior to

preposition

Example Sentences

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