antecedent 1 of 2

antecedent

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noun

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
The Boko Haram insurgency itself has an antecedent in the Maitatsine religious upheavals of the 1980s, a tumultuous chapter in northern Nigerian history that claimed over 5,000 lives. Nathaniel D. F. Allen, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2015 Many of Guardiola’s most famous antecedents — Bill Shankly, Arrigo Sacchi — either resigned or retired because of the strain the job placed on them. Rory Smith, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for antecedent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antecedent
Adjective
  • Potter is unbeaten in his previous seven encounters with Moyes.
    Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The previous record was Aug. 3-6, 2023 at three days, 21 hours, 41 minutes.
    Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Amid uncertainty about the incident's cause, Martyn Boyers, chief executive of the Port of Grimsby East, said there may have been an autopilot issue.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
  • William and his assistants were nonetheless able to build solid pillars of data, mass death broken down into discrete numerals to represent sexes, ages, locations, seasons, years, and causes of mortality, which included starvation, scurvy, dysentery, cholera, typhus, and relapsing fever.
    Fintan O'Toole, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In 1914, Frank Newman opened the Royal Theatre which was a forerunner to movie palaces in the city, a significant departure from nickelodeons.
    Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Hammond, the school’s forerunner, won its fourth straight 3A sectional title in 2008.
    Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The auntie’s going to always be there for her niece as an ancestor.
    Fox Maxy, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The ephemerides were the ancestors of astronomical tables, which still exist.
    James Byrne, The Conversation, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Such certificates are often pursued after a conviction has been vacated and as a precursor to a lawsuit.
    Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
  • For example, tryptophan is precursor to serotonin, the body’s feel-good chemical.
    Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • His predecessor, former President Biden, attended all of the dinners during his four-year term.
    Filip Timotija, The Hill, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Earlier this week, Intel announced Tan was filling the role left vacant when the board ousted his predecessor, Pat Gelsinger.
    Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 15 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antecedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antecedent. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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