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 This season has earned a lot of praise from more people than us—it's got a higher Rotten Tomatoes score than either of the previous seasons, and higher than the second season of Rings of Power. ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025 Eric served District 2 from 2014 to 2018, and is perhaps most well-known for his attempts to ban Idaho courts from deciding cases based on Sharia law, despite no evidence of that happening, according to previous Statesman reporting. Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 18 Apr. 2025 In the previous 18 months he was seen as a warm, personable member of the dressing room and was a popular figure among coaching staff and fellow players. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 His only previous experience of going five games without a goal or assist for the club also came in March, in 2019. Gregg Evans, New York Times, 11 Apr. 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
  • In early 2024, for example, Alabama workers received an average benefit of $252 a week, replacing 29% of their prior wage on average, while workers in Washington state got an average $721 a week, or 49% of their previous pay.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The new update sees the addition of new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles skins, including Casey Jones, Rocksteady, Bebop, and Krang's Android, which join the Turtles themselves, April O'Neal, Splinter, and Shredder, all of which were added in prior updates.
    Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • As German immigrants came to the U.S., pretzels became a staple here in the early 1700s.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Tiger, who played college football at Princeton, was one of the 14 victims killed in the early hours of New Year's Day on Bourbon Street.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • As with the coal black tree snake, the atra tree snake has thus far only been found on its initial island of discovery, Misima.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Although these prices plummeted to $100 on the day of the show, the initial asking price highlights the financial barrier for many fans hoping to witness the event live.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Under former President Joe Biden, monthly student loan bills resumed in the fall of 2023 after a years-long break.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • For years, the scientific output (patents, publications, commercial innovations) from former Soviet scientists decreased dramatically with a long-lasting negative impact on today’s Russian economy.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2025
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
Adjective
  • Tesla also has refreshed its original Model Y with exterior and interior changes.
    Abhirup Roy, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Columbus is an original MLS club that has built a positive reputation as a visionary.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Previous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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