Usage of Prior to
Sometimes termed pompous or affected, prior to is a synonym of before that most often appears in rather formal contexts, such as the annual reports of corporations. It may occasionally emphasize the notion of anticipation.
page makeup decisions are verified and approved prior to typesetting
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Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
Examples of prior to in a Sentence
make sure all revisions are approved by the author prior to publication
Recent Examples on the Web
Viju Mathew Shifting gears from his degree in physical geography, Viju Mathew has spent the last decade covering most categories of the luxury market prior to becoming Robb Report's automotive editor.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2025
The three-time All-Star averaged 23 points per game on 16 field-goal attempts per game in his 19 appearances prior to totaling just 15 points on 14 field-goal attempts during the last two games.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
But Arnold and Chen are X-factors at their best, and both seemed to have shaken early-season inconsistencies prior to the Big East Tournament, so Auriemma didn’t seem concerned by the minor slump.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
Vance previously worked as a corporate lawyer and venture capitalists prior to taking up public office.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
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Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2025
The three-time All-Star averaged 23 points per game on 16 field-goal attempts per game in his 19 appearances prior to totaling just 15 points on 14 field-goal attempts during the last two games.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
But Arnold and Chen are X-factors at their best, and both seemed to have shaken early-season inconsistencies prior to the Big East Tournament, so Auriemma didn’t seem concerned by the minor slump.
—Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
Vance previously worked as a corporate lawyer and venture capitalists prior to taking up public office.
—Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prior to
Cite this Entry
“Prior to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prior%20to. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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