PREVIOUS Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adjective

ˈprē-vē-əs

Definition of previous next

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 Ilkay Gundogan, having only been away from the club for a year, he can hardly be considered a typical new signing — and his form has not reached the heights of his previous spell at the club. —

Michael Cox, The Athletic, 5 Feb. 2025 Along with previous commitments, Krafton has poured more than $170 million into Indian startups since 2021, including game studio Nautilus Mobile and esports company Nodwin Gaming. —

Zinnia Lee, Forbes, 5 Feb. 2025 Winners of the 1964 and 1965 AFL championships, they were led by quarterback, Jack Kemp, who had been named to the Pro Bowl team for each of the previous six seasons, including two with the Chargers. —

Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025 Set in Thailand, after previous seasons in Hawaii and Italy, the latest installment promises to be grander, more epic—and much, much darker. —

Charlie Campbell, TIME, 24 Jan. 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