Synonyms of prior to

prior to

preposition

as in before

earlier than

make sure all revisions are approved by the author prior to publication

Synonyms & Similar Words

• before
• previous to
• to
• ahead of
• in advance of
• of
• until
• till
• ere
• fore
• afore
• up to

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• after
• following
• since
• next
• next to

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of prior to

Either Ohio State or Indiana topped the standings in the three years prior to the latest expansion, but since then it’s been all UCLA and USC at the top. — Luke Decock, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Head’s health issues prior to his death from pneumonia complications have not been made public. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Operating from Ireland and founded in 1999, the company Intrade dominated non-state, public prediction market activity prior to the advent of crypto. — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

The biggest surprise came when the season’s top lot—Mark Rothko’s 1965 Chapel-series masterpiece Untitled (Plum and Dark Brown)—was withdrawn prior to bidding. — Hok-Hang Cheung, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026