previous to

Definition of previous tonext
as in before
earlier than his passport arrived just previous to his trip

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 previous to Researchers tested this process, known as photothermal catalysis, in the laboratory using a simulant based on samples of lunar regolith returned to Earth by China's Chang'e 5 mission (the lunar samples are far too previous to destroy in such experiments, which is why a simulant is used instead). Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 July 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 The actor had lived in the home for some time previous to the renovation, and is seen walking through the bare-bones home sharing stories about each room before the gut job began. Claudia Williams, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024 Pulte lived in Florida previous to his nomination to lead the independent agency, but his family has roots in metro Detroit. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 Jan. 2022 See All Example Sentences for previous to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous to
Preposition
  • Ha-Seong Kim lined a two-strike fastball off Chapman’s leg that Chapman eventually found along the first-base line before throwing to first for the final out.
    Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 17 May 2026
  • Vulcano About an hour ferry ride from Milazzo, Vulcano lures visitors with its active volcano, Gran Cratere, and open-air mud baths just steps from the port, where bathers slather on the mineral-rich goodness before rinsing in the sea.
    Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
Preposition
  • The award was presented a couple of weeks prior to the show, which was broadcast live from Las Vegas on Sunday.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
  • Chaac alleged that prior to Dragontail’s 2024 deployment in New York, the franchisee was among Pizza Hut’s best-performing operators in delivery times, customer satisfaction, and sales growth.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 19 May 2026
Preposition
  • The South Terrace, with bucolic and far-reaching views, is already the locus of socialising spilling down to the 25-meter pool.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • The margin grew to 17 before the Sparks closed the quarter with a 13-8 run.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Previous to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous%20to. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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