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

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Recent Examples of prior To close out the year, Milwaukee was poised to end with about 140 homicides, down from the prior two years. —

David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 31 Dec. 2024 The record, which arrived with no prior announcement, appeared alongside an accompanying music video set on New Year’s Eve. —

Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 Dec. 2024 The tragedy, coupled with scrutiny over safety protocols, added to Boeing's challenges in 2024, which included prior incidents, production delays and financial losses. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, wages and salaries grew 3.8% annually in the third quarter, down from 4.1% the prior quarter and 4.5% a year ago, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. —

Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 30 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prior

Recent Examples of Synonyms for prior

Adjective

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
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