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 The production’s previous high point was $936,898 for the week ending November 25. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026 The previous federal administration’s efforts to address this crisis have been shunted aside by the current administration, leaving a gap that the state of Maryland can help address. —Michelle Kaufman, Baltimore Sun, 9 Feb. 2026 Proctor’s previous defense attorneys claimed the officer thought Glenn was reaching for his partner’s gun. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026 Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here. —Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026 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
  • As a result, far fewer people were arrested and deported from the border than in the preceding few years.
    — Albert Sun, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2026
  • Rather than drive viewers to keep watching, cliffhanger endings can accidentally foreground inaction in the preceding hour.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
Definition of preceding
Adjective
  • The annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Virtuosos Award was presented to talents whose onscreen work defined the prior year on Sunday night.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Feb. 2026
  • In its prior incarnation, Court TV rode the momentum of cable television through the 1990s and 2000s and took advantage of permissive rules in states like California allowing cameras in courtrooms.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of prior
Adjective
  • Early on in cosmic history, the Universe was composed primarily of hydrogen and helium, as no substantial quantities of heavier elements were formed during the early stages of the hot Big Bang.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 6 Feb. 2026
  • And since leaving prison in early January, the preacher has wasted no time in spreading his gospel in a tranche of new songs published on his social media platforms.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of early
Adjective
  • The initial indictment filed in November accused Clase of rigging pitches in specific games between May 2023 and June 2025.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The model presented was the Changan Nevo A06, also known as the Qiyuan A06, which serves as the initial platform for the new battery technology.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of initial
Adjective
  • The visit by Ali Larijani, a former Iranian parliament speaker who now serves as the secretary to the country's Supreme National Security Council, likely focused on what comes next after the initial round of indirect talks held last week in Muscat with the Americans.
    — JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The Lakers next play Thursday night here against the Mavericks, Doncic’s former team.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of former
Adjective
  • Even when Disney brought back Ortega for their Descendants franchise in 2015 — a film about the children of Disney villains — IP took precedent time and time again above the story.
    — CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2026
  • 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
  • While neighboring vineyards resorted to grafting their vines onto pest-resistant American roots, DRC used various intensive strategies to keep its original European vines intact, at least until the 1940s.
    — Pin Yen Tan 9 min ago, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • In 2017, McRae went back to her YouTube roots and uploaded a video of herself singing an original ballad.
    — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of original

Phrases Containing previous

Browse Nearby Words

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 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on previous

Nglish: Translation of previous for Spanish Speakers

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