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Definitions

previously

[pree-vee-uhs-lee] / ˈpri vi əs li /
ADVERB
earlier
Synonyms
STRONGEST
already formerly heretofore hitherto long ago once then
STRONG
antecedently
WEAK
a while ago ahead ante at one time away back back back when before beforehand erstwhile fore forward in advance in anticipation in days gone by in the past precedently time was until now
Antonyms
WEAK
currently future later presently

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.

For that reason, he swung to bearish on five home-builder stocks and neutral on three, after previously being bullish on seven stocks and neutral on one.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Cress had been CMO at tax-preparation firm H&R Block since 2022 and previously held top marketing roles at PayPal and National Geographic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Part of the problem is the impressive run gold recorded previously: The precious metal gained 65% in 2025, its largest one-year net gain on record, and biggest one-year percentage move since 1979.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

The 47-year-old denies all wrongdoing, and has previously said the allegations against him - which have not yet been assessed at a criminal standard - are "egregious" and "spiteful".

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2026

I noted a strange beauty in the faces of people previously repulsive to me.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt