Usage of Prior to
Sometimes termed pompous or affected, prior to is a synonym of before that most often appears in rather formal contexts, such as the annual reports of corporations. It may occasionally emphasize the notion of anticipation.
page makeup decisions are verified and approved prior to typesetting
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Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
Examples of prior to in a Sentence
make sure all revisions are approved by the author prior to publication
Recent Examples on the Web
The Browns acquired Kenny Pickett in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles and signed Joe Flacco to a one-year contract prior to the NFL Draft.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
So, prior to today's launch, the company made some modifications to help facilitate a future Ship chopsticks catch.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 20 June 2025
The markets There was no trading in the U.S. yesterday due to the national holiday but S&P 500 futures were down 0.3% prior to the opening bell today.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Marine insurers are now charging 0.2% of the value of a ship for journeys into the Gulf, according to data from the world’s largest insurance broker Marsh McLennan, up from 0.125% prior to Israel’s surprise attack on Iran last week.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 19 June 2025
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Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2025
So, prior to today's launch, the company made some modifications to help facilitate a future Ship chopsticks catch.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 20 June 2025
The markets There was no trading in the U.S. yesterday due to the national holiday but S&P 500 futures were down 0.3% prior to the opening bell today.
—Diane Brady, Fortune, 20 June 2025
Marine insurers are now charging 0.2% of the value of a ship for journeys into the Gulf, according to data from the world’s largest insurance broker Marsh McLennan, up from 0.125% prior to Israel’s surprise attack on Iran last week.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for prior to
Cite this Entry
“Prior to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prior%20to. Accessed 24 Jun. 2025.
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