Usage of Prior to
Sometimes termed pompous or affected, prior to is a synonym of before that most often appears in rather formal contexts, such as the annual reports of corporations. It may occasionally emphasize the notion of anticipation.
page makeup decisions are verified and approved prior to typesetting
—
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
Examples of prior to in a Sentence
make sure all revisions are approved by the author prior to publication
Recent Examples on the Web
The goal was a long time coming, considering Marchand had his share of chances that didn’t translate prior to Thursday.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
McCann has defied partisan odds before in becoming mayor of Democratic Chula Vista and, prior to that, serving on the City Council.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
According to a neighbor, the family had moved to the neighborhood just a week prior to the attack.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
The victim appeared to have died prior to the incident, a police source confirmed to PEOPLE.
—Christine Pelisek, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prior to
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Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
McCann has defied partisan odds before in becoming mayor of Democratic Chula Vista and, prior to that, serving on the City Council.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025
According to a neighbor, the family had moved to the neighborhood just a week prior to the attack.
—Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025
The victim appeared to have died prior to the incident, a police source confirmed to PEOPLE.
—Christine Pelisek, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prior to
Cite this Entry
“Prior to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prior%20to. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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