previous to

as in before
earlier than his passport arrived just previous to his trip

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 previous to The other alleged incident happened previous to the plaintiff’s full-time employment with Ye’s operations, which started in 2021. Dennis Romero, NBC News, 13 Oct. 2024 Miss Letty Tifft has gone to Minneapolis to select stock and work in a wholesale millinery store for a few weeks previous to the opening of the spring season. Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 With nine more seasons under his belt as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers previous to that, he's recorded a 102-103-2 overall record. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 30 Dec. 2024 In the 18 years previous to that, Nagy was an NFL scout. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for previous to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous to
Preposition
  • Glasnow threw one bullpen last week before being shut down for a couple of days of throwing because of unrelated back tightness.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
Preposition
  • Evacuation orders will be issued in advance of a storm, ideally forty-eight hours prior to the onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
    Mallory Nicholls, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025
  • Trump’s Truth Social Parent Company Suing Many Media Companies—including Forbes Trump and his companies have filed multiple lawsuits against media organizations prior to his winning a second term.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Preposition
  • Accepting the award is bittersweet for the band members, but they’re honored to pay their respects to Vaughn’s legacy.
    Melinda Newman, Billboard, 30 May 2025
  • My Happy Place Season 1 finale (CNN) MONDAY, JUNE 9 📺 Art Detectives (Acorn TV, two-episode premiere) Stephen Moyer plays a detective who solves murders connected to the world of art and antiques — from Old Master paintings, to Banksy street art, to medieval manuscripts and collectible vinyl.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Previous to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous%20to. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.

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