PRIOR Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

prior

adjective

ˈprī(-ə)r

Definition of prior next

as in main

coming before all others in importance this assignment will be prior to any other work you may have

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in previous

going before another in time or order we've made prior arrangements

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Recent Examples of prior Only this year, in a marked break from prior bills, the proposal, House Bill 1040, has drawn bipartisan support — a key hurdle in a building where Democrats outnumber Republicans nearly 2-to-1. —

Nick Coltrain, The Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2025 The French luxury goods giant, which owns brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Sephora and Tiffany & Co., reported revenues of 23.9 billion euros in the three months to Dec. 31, in line with the same period the prior year. —

Joelle Diderich, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025 The share of Americans who gave to charity fell from 49.6% in 2018, the prior year for which data is available, to 45.8% in 2020 – a nearly 4-percentage-point decline in two years. —

Una Osili, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025 If Pitt and Tarantino agree to collaborate again, the movie couldn’t have begun shooting until maybe late this year or early 2025 anyway, due to the actor’s prior commitments with a Formula 1 racing movie. —

Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prior

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior

Adjective

Nestled amid a scenic alpine valley tucked in between Castle Creek and the peaks of the Elk Mountains, about 10 miles outside of downtown Aspen, the 52-acre spread with a main home, several guest cabins, and a wealth of recreational pursuits is armed with a hefty $125 million price tag.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 31 Jan. 2025
The provision will overburden the already congested main runway at DCA and, as shown by a recent near-collision at the airport, increase the risk of a serious accident there.

— Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025