PREVIOUS Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'previous' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of previous are antecedent , anterior , foregoing , former , preceding , and prior . 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: Where would 'antecedent' be a reasonable alternative to 'previous'?

The synonyms antecedent and previous are sometimes interchangeable, but antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation. // conditions antecedent to the revolution

Q: In what contexts can 'anterior' take the place of 'previous'?

While the synonyms anterior and previous are close in meaning, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order. // the anterior lobe of the brain

Q: When might 'foregoing' be a better fit than 'previous'?

In some situations, the words foregoing and previous are roughly equivalent. However, foregoing applies chiefly to statements. // the foregoing remarks

Q: When is it sensible to use 'former' instead of 'previous'?

Although the words former and previous have much in common, former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter. // the former name of the company

Q: When can 'preceding' be used instead of 'previous'?

The meanings of preceding and previous largely overlap; however, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place. // the preceding sentence

adjective

ˈprē-vē-əs

Definition of previous next

as in preceding

going before another in time or order the new instructor should consult with the previous teacher about the lesson plans the previous math problem also included a reference to store discounts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word previous distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of previous are antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, and prior. 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

Where would antecedent be a reasonable alternative to previous?

The synonyms antecedent and previous are sometimes interchangeable, but antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

In what contexts can anterior take the place of previous?

While the synonyms anterior and previous are close in meaning, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When might foregoing be a better fit than previous?

In some situations, the words foregoing and previous are roughly equivalent. However, foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When is it sensible to use former instead of previous?

Although the words former and previous have much in common, former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When can preceding be used instead of previous?

The meanings of preceding and previous largely overlap; however, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of previous Her previous incarnation, the drug lord Manitas del Monte, is reported dead. —

Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Jan. 2025 In his fictional society, citizens destroyed all machines invented within the previous 300 years. —

Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2025 Including the 2020 first-round pick Pittsburgh gave up to acquire safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Steelers spent nine of their previous 10 first-round picks on defense, beginning with Cameron Heyward in 2011. —

Mike Defabo, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024 Take the previous cycle, for example: in 2021, bitcoin rallied to nearly $70,000 as more and more investors piled in but the subsequent year, the token plunged to less than $17,000 on the back of a series of major crypto company bankruptcies. —

Ryan Browne,arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for previous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for previous

Adjective

During the preceding month, the platform was profiting off political ads from at least three of the lawmakers who signed the letter: Goldman, Schiff and Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.).

Aaron Schaffer, Washington Post, 11 Dec. 2023
The accolades, as well as the president's preceding remarks, came exactly two years after the riot, which saw a number of former President Donald Trump's supporters storm the U.S. Capitol in an effort the overturn the 2020 election.

Brigid Kennedy, The Week, 6 Jan. 2023