previous

adjective

ˈprē-vē-əs How to pronounce previous (audio)
Definition of previousnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word previous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of previous are antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, and prior. 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

Where would antecedent be a reasonable alternative to previous?

The synonyms antecedent and previous are sometimes interchangeable, but antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

In what contexts can anterior take the place of previous?

While the synonyms anterior and previous are close in meaning, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When might foregoing be a better fit than previous?

In some situations, the words foregoing and previous are roughly equivalent. However, foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When is it sensible to use former instead of previous?

Although the words former and previous have much in common, former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When can preceding be used instead of previous?

The meanings of preceding and previous largely overlap; 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 previous While combing through loads and loads of data, DOGE discovered a previous contract by the VA for its website maintenance. —Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025 In a video posted to her TikTok on July 14, Morgan unpacked her list of predictions for the new baby, using context from some of Paytas' previous posts and interviews. —Tabitha Parent, People.com, 23 July 2025 The previous Lumière with Guillermo was a brilliant night. —Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 July 2025 This may explain the sudden shift back to the Exynos processor after Samsung went all-Snapdragon for the previous generation. —Anshel Sag, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for previous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous
  1. preceding
  2. prior
  3. early
  4. initial
  5. former
  6. precedent
  7. original
Adjective
  • In the preceding month, Gamestop also closed its NFT marketplace, just months after removing support for its NFT wallet.
    — Nicholas Kitonyi, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Definition of preceding
Adjective
  • Also adding to the cash injection for Kaleidoscope are prior investors like The Raine Group, former MTV leader Tom Freston and venture capital firm Nimble Ventures.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
  • These trips are an important opportunity to spend time with producers, review the prior year’s crop, taste coffees as they are being harvested, and meet new partners that are aligned with our company’s emphasis on organic production and benchmark quality.
    — Christopher Marquis, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of prior
Adjective
  • Merriweather was out on bond when police said he was involved in the early morning brawl on July 26 in downtown Cincinnati.
    — Enquirer staff, The Enquirer, 31 July 2025
  • On Monday, officials with the Port Authority of Kansas City announced that the project has taken on a new element: converting the nearby historic Scarritt Building, which dates back to the early 1900s as one of the city’s earliest skyscrapers, into a UMusic Hotel with 167 rooms.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2025
Definition of early
Adjective
  • So the lawyers got involved, Marinakis dug in his heels, and once the initial anger had subsided, the charm offensive began to persuade Gibbs-White to stay.
    — Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 28 July 2025
  • After the initial training period, managers must be trained to become competent mentors and coaches.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of initial
Adjective
  • Among the attendees were Madison Beer and former Disney Channel star Kyle Massey.
    — Bailey Richards, People.com, 27 July 2025
  • The trailer now shows Ashur, a former slave, struggling to be accepted by high society.
    — Nick Romano, EW.com, 27 July 2025
Definition of former
Adjective
  • That’s because precedent changes in small but important ways all the time.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
  • That’s because precedent changes in small but important ways all the time.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of precedent
Adjective
  • My original intent was that people would partner with us.
    — Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • The original vision was to phase out the Flintstones theme, but overwhelming public affection and nostalgia changed their minds.
    — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
Definition of original

Phrases Containing previous

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previews
previous
previously
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Cite this Entry

“Previous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of previous for Spanish Speakers

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