Synonym Chooser

How is the word prior distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of prior are antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, and previous. 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

In what contexts can antecedent take the place of prior?

While in some cases nearly identical to prior, antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When might anterior be a better fit than prior?

Although the words anterior and prior have much in common, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When can foregoing be used instead of prior?

The meanings of foregoing and prior largely overlap; however, foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When is it sensible to use former instead of prior?

The words former and prior can be used in similar contexts, but former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When is preceding a more appropriate choice than prior?

In some situations, the words preceding and prior are roughly equivalent. 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 prior The ballet series was greenlit by the prior administration at Amazon MGM Studios, headed by Jennifer Salke. J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 7 June 2025 Then-commissioner Bud Selig and Manfred established the DOI in 2008 on a recommendation made the prior year in the Mitchell Report, an investigation into performance-enhancing drugs in baseball that the league hired former U.S. Sen. George J. Mitchell of Maine to conduct. Evan Drellich, New York Times, 7 June 2025 Based on prior research, scientists had a few theories as to why the animals fall into such structured formation and travel in what looks like an orderly line. Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 7 June 2025 The Pokémon Company The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, as it's labeled, will reportedly feature improved graphics and frame rates, with prior footage of the Switch 2 versions showing a 60fps frame rate, compared to the Switch's 30fps. Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior
Adjective
  • Israel hit Iran’s main enrichment site at Natanz, its leading nuclear scientists, and struck the heart of its ballistic missile program, Netanyahu said.
    Spencer Kimball,Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 13 June 2025
  • While the offensive was a strategic defeat for the communists, its main casualty was President Lyndon Johnson.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Garcia’s arrival looks likely to mean consequences for Barca’s previous first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen — and already the drum-beat of rumour, speculation and comment from friendly local media, aimed at persuading Ter Stegen to leave, has begun.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • The Lincoln’s grille and headlamps had all but doubled in height over the previous generation, with other exterior elements growing thicker and bolder along the transition.
    Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • The dining room and kitchen lead to an expansive primary suite overlooking the backyard terrace.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
  • Furthermore, Newmont has been selling non-core assets, generating substantial proceeds to bolster its primary operations and financial standing.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • Adding to the shock factor of this particular comeback was how badly Indiana handled the ball in the first half.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • But the predominant theme of the debate was Cuomo facing attacks from the eight other candidates, who laced into him on everything from public safety and education to affordable housing production and the ex-governor’s integrity.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025
  • Apparently natural selection among the Uru, Aymara and Quechua peoples of the Bolivian Altiplano took DNA sequences that are present but rare in other populations around the world and increased their frequency to the point where the normally uncommon sequences are predominant in these groups.
    Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Nathan struggled in limited playoff action, but few closers in MLB history have been as consistently dominant in the regular season.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 2 June 2025
  • Stewart has been quietly dominant to start the season, averaging 18.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists shooting 54.1% from the field.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2025
Adjective
  • Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
  • The foremost conflict playing out across the Middle East today is between Israel and Iran, a nation that already possesses a sophisticated and large-scale nuclear program.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Adjective
  • But Hollywood can play a leading role in turning the tide.
    Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
  • When Darren Criss picked up a Tony Award on Sunday night for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a musical for his turn in Maybe Happy Ending, the veteran star became the third straight Glee alum to win a trophy on Broadway’s biggest night.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prior. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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