Synonyms for

Prior

Verb / ˈpraɪɜ: / Another word for prior — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Prior means existing or happening before something else.

Synonyms & similar words

anterior previous former earlier preliminary antecedent prioritized preceding foregoing proposed antediluvian first initial primary preexisting prelim anteroom foremost preexistent preexistent premier

Synonyms by register

Formal

preceding previous antecedent former

Informal

before earlier

Literary

foregoing erstwhile

Antonyms

later subsequent following consequent future next after

Common collocations

  • prior to
  • prior engagement
  • prior knowledge
  • prior approval
  • prior notice
  • prior art
  • prior to this

Word family

noun priority
adjective prior
adverb priorly

Usage note

Primarily used as an adjective meaning 'before in time or order'. Often used in the phrase 'prior to' to mean 'before'.

Example sentences

  1. I need to finish my prior commitments before I can start on anything new.
  2. The prior owner of the house left some furniture behind.
  3. The prior knowledge I gained in class helped me do well on the test.
  4. The prior warning gave people enough time to evacuate before the storm hit.
  5. The prior experience I had in a similar job helped me get hired.

Quotes

  • 'It is an immutable law in business that words are words, explanations are explanations, promises are promises, but only performance is reality.' - Harold Geneen
  • 'The best way to predict the future is to study the past, or prognosticate.' - Robert Kiyosaki
  • 'The power for creating a better future is contained in the present moment: You create a good future by creating a good present.' - Eckhart Tolle

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