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

Examples 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 Thankfully this is one area where users have much more control than in prior years. —

Zak Doffman, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 All Betty employees at the time of the sale have been retained (with raises, Barnum-Dann said) but staff are now expected to bring customers’ food and drinks to them rather than the prior counter service model. —

Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 16 Jan. 2025 Summary: This position serves as a technology liaison for Medicaid business areas and focuses on prior authorization, transition of care between Medicaid Direct and Medicaid Managed Care entities, electronic visit verification and research and analysis related to these areas. —

Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2025 For example, a customer inquiry that starts with an RCS message could escalate to a voice call, with the agent fully informed of the prior exchange, eliminating the need for customers to repeat themselves. —

Nick Newsom, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for prior

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior

Adjective

Draisaitl is the only player projected to hit 50 goals this season, with 54, and his main challenger, Kaprizov, is currently on the shelf.

Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
Just like the show's main character, Dr. Oliver Wolf (Zachary Quinto), Sacks was motivated to pursue a career in this field because a close family member struggled with a mental illness, and it was treated as a big secret.

Madeleine Janz, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025