prior
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for prior, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Coming before in time or order; earlier.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use prior
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Latin prior, meaning "earlier" or "former" — related to before, fore, and former.
Full origin of prior →Frequently asked questions
What does “prior” mean?
The word “prior” means coming before in time or order; earlier. In plain terms, happening or existing before something else — or, in religious life, a rank of monastic official.
How do you pronounce “prior”?
“Prior” is pronounced PREYE-uh (/ˈpɹaɪ.(ə)ɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “prior” in a sentence?
Here is “prior” used in a sentence: “She had no prior experience in retail before this job.”
What part of speech is “prior”?
Depending on how it is used, “prior” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “prior” come from?
The word “prior” comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin prior, meaning "earlier" or "former" — related to before, fore, and former.
Is “prior” a common word?
“Prior” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “prior” have?
“Prior” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: coming before in time or order; earlier.
What is the difference between 'prior' and 'previous'?
They are close synonyms and often interchangeable. 'Prior' is a little more formal and can suggest greater importance or precedence, as in 'a prior commitment.' 'Previous' simply means the one before. In the phrase 'prior to,' 'prior' functions as a formal way of saying 'before.'
What does 'prior to' mean?
'Prior to' simply means 'before.' 'Please arrive prior to nine o'clock' means arrive before nine. It is a more formal alternative, common in business and official writing. Many editors prefer the plainer 'before' in everyday use, but 'prior to' is perfectly correct.
What is the opposite of 'prior'?
The main opposites are 'subsequent,' 'following,' and 'later,' all describing what comes afterward rather than before. If a prior event happened earlier, a subsequent event happens after it. The prefix 'post,' as in 'post-war,' carries the same after-the-fact meaning, pointing to what follows.