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
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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
These can be repaired prior to listing, so there are no surprises when a prospective buyer makes an offer.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Pretreat any stains with a stain remover of choice and blot with a dry white cloth to remove as much stain prior to washing.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025
While all cardinals can participate in the daily meetings that occur prior to the election, only 120 cardinals—all of whom have to be under the age of 80—can actually vote in the conclave.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Trump promised the largest deportation effort in U.S. history prior to winning a second term.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025
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Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025
Pretreat any stains with a stain remover of choice and blot with a dry white cloth to remove as much stain prior to washing.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2025
While all cardinals can participate in the daily meetings that occur prior to the election, only 120 cardinals—all of whom have to be under the age of 80—can actually vote in the conclave.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Trump promised the largest deportation effort in U.S. history prior to winning a second term.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 20 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 24 Apr. 2025.
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