as in preceding
going before another in time or order
the new instructor should consult with the previous teacher about the lesson plans the previous math problem also included a reference to store discounts
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 previous
The previous record was Aug. 3-6, 2023 at three days, 21 hours, 41 minutes.
—
Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025
According to the agency, the people in custody were largely male migrants without proper legal status from Latin American countries -- some of whom had previous criminal convictions like driving under the influence.
—Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
The previous jury deliberated over nine days before deadlocking 11 to 1 in favor of second-degree murder.
—Sean Emery, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025
When Zelensky challenged Vance's call for diplomacy by citing Russia's violations of previous agreements, tensions escalated further.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for previous
Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025
According to the agency, the people in custody were largely male migrants without proper legal status from Latin American countries -- some of whom had previous criminal convictions like driving under the influence.
—Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
The previous jury deliberated over nine days before deadlocking 11 to 1 in favor of second-degree murder.
—Sean Emery, Orange County Register, 13 Mar. 2025
When Zelensky challenged Vance's call for diplomacy by citing Russia's violations of previous agreements, tensions escalated further.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for previous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous
Adjective
-
Most of those were seized on Oct. 7, 2023, but others were taken hostage in the preceding decade, and a substantial number are no longer alive.—
Jerome Socolovsky,
NPR,
19 Jan. 2025
-
During the preceding month, the platform was profiting off political ads from at least three of the lawmakers who signed the letter: Goldman, Schiff and Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.).—
Aaron Schaffer,
Washington Post,
11 Dec. 2023
Adjective
-
According to prior Idaho Statesman reporting, there were 2,001,619 Idaho residents and 2,005,465 Nebraska residents as of July 1, 2024 — a difference of about 4,000 residents.—
Nick Rosenberger,
Idaho Statesman,
17 Mar. 2025
-
The Atlanta rapper’s prior album, 2020’s Whole Lotta Red, currently stands as a foundational text for dozens if not hundreds of extremely online acts that mimic his talent for transmogrifying his voice into odd shapes over blurry, cartoon-ish melodies.—
Mosi Reeves,
Rolling Stone,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Combined with their latest findings, researchers are better understanding the progression from a baby’s earlier statistical learning formations to the development of episodic memories.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
21 Mar. 2025
-
Nestled in the forest foothills outside Rapid City, this Lutheran chapel is an exact replica of Norway’s historic Borgund Stave Church, built around 1150 AD during the early years of Christianity in the Viking world.—
Joe Yogerst,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
On February 20, 2024, almost two months after an initial announcement and 15 after the Glazer family confirmed their willingness to a partial or full sale, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Trawlers Limited completed its purchase of 27.7 per cent of Manchester United.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
The Athletic,
18 Mar. 2025
-
Ted Lasso officially secured a Season 4 renewal at Apple TV+ earlier this month, after initial reports emerged last August that the Emmy-winning comedy was eyeing a return following Season 3’s conclusion in May 2023.—
Rebecca Luther,
TVLine,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
What Does KenPom Say? Analytics guru Ken Pomeroy, a former U.S. government meteorologist, revolutionized the use of statistics as a predictor of success in the NCAA tournament in the early 2000s, and his rankings are recognized as the industry standard.—
Jack Magruder,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
-
Three former Miami women’s winners are in the field in defending champ Danielle Collins, Iga Swiatek and Victoria Azarenka.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
16 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
That’s because precedent changes in small but important ways all the time.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2025
-
This adaptation demands re-conceiving large chunks of plot from the ground-up while retaining Liu’s themes, not to mention visualizing concepts with less precedent onscreen than the fantasy tropes Martin deployed and subverted.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
9 Mar. 2024
Adjective
-
Dave Meltzer's Wrestling Observer Newsletter reveals that WWE's original plans involved a feud between McIntyre and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes after WrestleMania.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
-
The Purple One also created the original song score for director Tim Burton’s Batman in 1989.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Previous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share