She had a prior engagement so could not attend the school meeting. Prior means that something else already exists or is more important.
Example sentence - We would inject the marinade into the turkey prior to baking it.
I ruefully had to refuse the invitation as I had a prior appointment
the government probably wishes it had prior restraint on the book No Easy Day
I am using the word intricate in a sentence.
Example sentence - The advertised weight of the burger is measured prior to cooking it.
Example sentence - We made our flight reservations allowing ample time for confirmation prior to making the hotel reservations.
Example sentence - She looked over her shoulder prior to backing the car out of the driveway.
Prior to reading this question I would have thought it was too early to answer it.
I would like to come. but a prior engagement prevents me from accepting
Prior to the Industrial Revolution, clothing was made by hand.
Both words can be correctly utilized in a properly arranged sentence. Prior to the previous message, I had a simpler plan. The previous Prior was taller.
She made sure to confirm the appointment prior to arriving at the office.