There are a variety of synonyms that can be used in place of "prior examination". Some options include "preliminary assessment", "pre-screening", "pre-audit", "pre-inspection", "pre-review", "pre-assessment", and "pre-evaluation". These phrases all refer to the act of examining something before the full analysis or assessment takes place. Depending on the context, one of these phrases may be more appropriate than others. For example, "preliminary assessment" may be used in a medical context, while "pre-audit" may be used in an accounting context. Ultimately, the choice of synonym will depend on the specific situation and the intended meaning.