ANTECEDENT Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'antecedent' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of antecedent are anterior , foregoing , former , preceding , previous , and prior . While all these words mean "being before," antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation. // conditions antecedent to the revolution

Q: When can 'anterior' be used instead of 'antecedent'?

While the synonyms anterior and antecedent are close in meaning, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order. // the anterior lobe of the brain

Q: In what contexts can 'foregoing' take the place of 'antecedent'?

The words foregoing and antecedent can be used in similar contexts, but foregoing applies chiefly to statements. // the foregoing remarks

Q: Where would 'former' be a reasonable alternative to 'antecedent'?

The words former and antecedent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter. // the former name of the company

Q: When might 'preceding' be a better fit than 'antecedent'?

The synonyms preceding and antecedent are sometimes interchangeable, but preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place. // the preceding sentence

Q: How are the words 'previous' and 'prior' related as synonyms of 'antecedent'?

Both previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance. // a child from a previous marriage // a prior obligation

antecedent 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of antecedent next

as in previous

going before another in time or order I'd like to follow up on an antecedent question from another reporter

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

antecedent

2 of 2

noun

ˌan-tə-ˈsē-dᵊnt

as in cause

someone or something responsible for a result what are the antecedents of the American Revolutionary War?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in forerunner

something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed the typewriter is the antecedent of the computer keyboard

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word antecedent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of antecedent are anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, previous, and prior. While all these words mean "being before," antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When can anterior be used instead of antecedent?

While the synonyms anterior and antecedent are close in meaning, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

In what contexts can foregoing take the place of antecedent?

The words foregoing and antecedent can be used in similar contexts, but foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

Where would former be a reasonable alternative to antecedent?

The words former and antecedent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When might preceding be a better fit than antecedent?

The synonyms preceding and antecedent are sometimes interchangeable, but preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

How are the words previous and prior related as synonyms of antecedent?

Both previous and prior imply existing or occurring earlier, but prior often adds an implication of greater importance.

a child from a previous marriage

a prior obligation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of antecedent

Adjective

Responsible purchasing is antecedent to fair and equitable decarbonization in the supply chain. —

Hakan Karaosman, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2024 Relaxed high-altitude winds, the spreading of air aloft and the presence of an antecedent tropical wave all made for the formation of a hurricane — but record-warm water temperatures, reminiscent of September, helped transform the storm into a top-tier tempest. —

Amanda Coletta, Washington Post, 2 July 2024

Noun

Yes, there were venerable antecedents to all these arguments, but what had once been the province of the provocateur was now something of a scholarly consensus. —

Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024 These are antecedents to Familiar Touch, which is filled with moments observing how subtle actions — a hand on a chest or finger on a wrist — are their own modes of communication. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for antecedent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antecedent

Adjective

The Project Rise investors fired off a legal letter in October 2024 claiming that Paramount’s special committee violated its fiduciary duty to shareholders by neglecting to consider the group’s previous $8.5 billion bid for the company.

— Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
In previous games, the Slayer would be locked into a predetermined animation when committing to a glory kill.

— John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025