Synonym Chooser

How is the word prior distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of prior are antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, and previous. While all these words mean "being before," previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance.

a child from a previous marriage
a prior obligation

In what contexts can antecedent take the place of prior?

While in some cases nearly identical to prior, antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When might anterior be a better fit than prior?

Although the words anterior and prior have much in common, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When can foregoing be used instead of prior?

The meanings of foregoing and prior largely overlap; however, foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When is it sensible to use former instead of prior?

The words former and prior can be used in similar contexts, but former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When is preceding a more appropriate choice than prior?

In some situations, the words preceding and prior are roughly equivalent. However, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

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 The acceptance rate was 4.3%, up from 3.9% the prior cycle. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 28 Mar. 2025 Netflix raised its 2025 outlook for revenue to be between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion (up $500 million from its prior forecast) and targeted an operating margin of 29%, up one percentage point from the prior forecast. Todd Spangler, Variety, 28 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 That’s why the Maryland demand – coming in the midst of a swirl of legislative hostility and intense legal scrutiny – seems like a much bigger deal than the prior cease-and-desist letters. Daniel Wallach, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior
Adjective
  • The president has touted these tariffs as a way to help the US government rely less on income taxes as a main form of revenue.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Sean Penn co-stars as the film’s main villain, a steely-eyed colonel who looked pretty frigging scary in the footage, while Benicio del Toro is DiCaprio’s gun-toting, gonzo comrade.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The findings show that these sharks are spending time in waters less than 50 meters (164 feet) deep off Maine, with peak sightings occurring between July and September; this aligns with previous observations of white sharks using similar habitats in other regions.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • One of the homeowner’s main requests was a dramatic entrance inspired by previous European holidays.
    Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • His primary motive in life is to make money and get laid.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Mulgrew began his career at Glentoran, Linfield’s primary Belfast rivals.
    Colin Millar, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In the first episode, Lochlan watches Saxon undress and stares a little too long at him naked.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The Sins Of The Brother Of course, the most shocking moment in this episode is something that’s been setup from the very first episode.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Jewish faith is predominant throughout the musical — references to certain prayers are made, Yiddish phrases are baked into the dialogue, and many Jewish traditions are brought to life on stage.
    Carolina del Busto, Sun Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Practical implications In practice, much of the federal government’s day to day functioning will likely remain the same since English is already the predominant language used in the country, experts said.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Othering is a social phenomenon where individuals or groups are perceived and treated as fundamentally different from a dominant or in-group.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • But their defense was so dominant from the second quarter on that the Trojans still could have won without scoring in the second half.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Robert Brill, Brill Media Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • One of the world’s foremost JFK assassination experts thinks there’s nothing in the mountains of classified government files that President Donald Trump ordered released this week that points away from Lee Harvey Oswald as the lone gunman that sunny day in Dallas 61 years ago.
    Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Distracted driving is the third leading cause of crashes in Colorado, according to a 2024 report from the Colorado Department of Transportation.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Oil prices have been below $70/barrel since the end of February and lower oil prices are often seen as a leading indicator for economic demand.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prior. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

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