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Synonyms

previously

American  
[pree-vee-uhs-lee] / ˈpri vi əs li /

adverb

  1. before now; earlier.

    The evidence now shows a strong likelihood that sea levels will rise more rapidly than previously thought.

    The author was previously managing editor of a multimedia lifestyle company that produced a magazine, website, and newsletters.

Etymology

Origin of previously

previous ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Zelensky had previously proposed swapping Ukrainian drone warfare technology for the advanced air defence missile ammunition -- though that idea appeared to gain little traction.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The Morecambe fighter has previously said he would train himself but long-time trainer SugarHill Steward was in attendance, although Fury insisted the American was there only for "moral support".

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Several attendees at the gathering said they previously knew little of Moore’s background and were unsure about whom they might support in a primary.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Melania Trump has previously pushed back against claims that Epstein was involved in introducing her and Donald Trump.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

All by himself, Chau generated vast demand for the riskiest slices of subprime mortgage bonds, for which there had previously been essentially no demand.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.