prior to

preposition

Definition of prior tonext
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 The department has not updated the guidance since January 15 – weeks prior to the most recent court order – and is now actively displaying incorrect information. — Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025 Within the roughly one-minute teaser, the network dropped a quick preview of clips from The Bear, which was renewed for a fourth season prior to the season three premiere in June 2024. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025 The show, for the first time, was available for a livestream via Hulu, though the broadcast had some major technical issues and cut out early for many viewers, prior to the announcement of both Best Actress and Best Picture. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 4 Mar. 2025 Take time now to fasten or shelter loose objects in a safe location prior to the onset of high winds. — Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prior to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior to
  1. before
  2. previous to
  3. to
Preposition
  • And that’s even before Brian Flynn, long-time Burnley resident and legendary former Wrexham manager who effectively rebuilt the club in the 1990s, pops up to say hello.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Much of Gladys’s ride was through mountains, on roads that were little more than cattle trails, or on rough corduroy used by heavy logging wagons (this was long before the day of logging trucks) with crude pole bridges.
    — Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of before
Preposition
  • 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
Definition of previous to
Preposition
  • Erik Johnson, who played 13 seasons for the Colorado Avalanche and still maintains a home in the Denver area, was traded back to his former club for forward and tough guy Givani Smith, who will be reassigned to the Phantoms.
    — Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Iran’s nuclear facilities are now exposed to attack, after Israel destroyed almost all of the air defenses protecting them in October.
    — David E. Sanger, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of to

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“Prior to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prior%20to. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of prior to for Spanish Speakers

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