previous to

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 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 In the four years previous to that Flamengo and Palmeiras dominated South American football winning two titles each. Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 The other alleged incident happened previous to the plaintiff’s full-time employment with Ye’s operations, which started in 2021. Dennis Romero, NBC News, 13 Oct. 2024 Miss Letty Tifft has gone to Minneapolis to select stock and work in a wholesale millinery store for a few weeks previous to the opening of the spring season. Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for previous to
Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous to
Preposition
  • Vega and another parent, knowing the In-N-Out to be a popular meeting place for teens before and after parties, decided to stake out the restaurant after seeing party promotions online.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025
  • Daily stretching, especially before and after your workouts, keeps your muscles flexible and helps prevent strains.
    Fred Sassani, Austin American Statesman, 24 July 2025
Preposition
  • However, that doesn't mean the team doesn't need improvements prior to the trade deadline and a certain insider believes that could come in the form of a starting pitcher.
    Andrew Wright, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
  • Halmi, a prolific producer, founded the Hallmark Channel, where Abbott served as President and CEO for 11 years prior to launching Great American Media in 2021.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 25 July 2025
Preposition
  • The Marion County Coroner’s Office said Smith Jr.'s cause of death was a gunshot to the head, but investigators found limited evidence to work with as the case went cold.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 30 July 2025
  • Cincy Gourmet feels like an homage to the old-school delis and bodegas of New York City: a no-frills neighborhood spot offering consistently delicious food served by people who take their jobs seriously.
    Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Previous to.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/previous%20to. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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