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 The team focused on the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which is the brain region that helps monitor activity and track experiences. —

Michael Irving, New Atlas, 22 July 2024 However, connections between the default mode network and the anterior hippocampus persisted for up to three weeks, Nichols said. —

Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 17 July 2024 In Harris' case, the condition involved his left anterior descending coronary artery. —

Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 16 May 2024 The heart attack was the result of a blockage in the heart’s biggest artery — the left anterior descending arterty — that prevented blood from getting to the heart muscle’s blood supply, causing Parker to go into cardiac arrest. —

James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for anterior

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anterior

Adjective

In the case of the Vanquish, that starts with a chassis that is a stunning 75 percent stiffer in lateral rigidity at the front axle, when compared to the DBS.

Dan Carney, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
The suspects’ vehicle has been described as a black, four-door Lexus ES 350 that appeared to have noticeable damage on the front driver’s-side fender.

Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024