ANTERIOR Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of anterior are antecedent , foregoing , former , preceding , previous , and prior . While all these words mean "being before," anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order. // the anterior lobe of the brain

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

The synonyms antecedent and anterior are sometimes interchangeable, but antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation. // conditions antecedent to the revolution

Q: When could 'foregoing' be used to replace 'anterior'?

The words foregoing and anterior are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foregoing applies chiefly to statements. // the foregoing remarks

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

The meanings of former and anterior largely overlap; however, former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter. // the former name of the company

Q: In what contexts can 'preceding' take the place of 'anterior'?

While in some cases nearly identical to anterior , preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place. // the preceding sentence

Q: How do 'previous' and 'prior' relate to one another, in the sense of 'anterior'?

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

adjective

an-ˈtir-ē-ər

Definition of anterior next

as in front

being at or in the forward part or surface of something the anterior chamber of the eye is bounded in front by the cornea

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in previous

going before another in time or order fossils from an anterior geologic age

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word anterior distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of anterior are antecedent, foregoing, former, preceding, previous, and prior. While all these words mean "being before," anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When might antecedent be a better fit than anterior?

The synonyms antecedent and anterior are sometimes interchangeable, but antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When could foregoing be used to replace anterior?

The words foregoing and anterior are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When can former be used instead of anterior?

The meanings of former and anterior largely overlap; however, former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

In what contexts can preceding take the place of anterior?

While in some cases nearly identical to anterior, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

How do previous and prior relate to one another, in the sense of anterior?

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

Examples 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 anterior Brain regions such as the anterior cingulate and ventromedial prefrontal cortex integrate many sources of information – essential for being able to form a mixed emotion. —

Anthony Gianni Vaccaro, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024 Ibrahimovic had joined the Galaxy in 2018, after recuperating from an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury suffered at Manchester United. —

Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 5 Aug. 2024 Ventral hernias are located anywhere in the anterior (front) abdominal wall. —

Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024 The muscle that performs this motion is the tibialis anterior, located along the front of the shinbone. —

Aubrey Bailey, Pt, Dpt, Cht, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for anterior

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anterior

Adjective

The mirror on the driver’s side and the front quarter panel of the car were left at the scene.

Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Jan. 2025
Newspapers would go on to cover the case in a sensational manner for months — with related items making front page news for 31 consecutive days on the cover of the Los Angeles Record, according to The Guardian.

Alex Gurley, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025