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

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 anterior The study, published in Science, details the complexity packed into a little slice of an anterior temporal lobe, thought to be involved in memory. —

Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024 Coronary Arteries The coronary arteries include the right coronary artery (RCA) and the left coronary artery, which divides into the circumflex artery and the left anterior descending artery (LAD). —

Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024 Receiver Brandon Aiyuk also has been on IR since Week 8 after tearing the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee. —

Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 4 Dec. 2024 Canter suffered multiple injuries, including fractures to her left orbital bone, optic nerve canal and anterior skull base as well as multiple sinus fractures, severe bruising and internal bleeding. —

Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for anterior

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anterior

Adjective

In their opening La Liga game, against Real Mallorca in August, midfielder Bellingham was filmed in the tunnel at half-time asking his front three to track back more.

— Thom Harris, The Athletic, 8 Feb. 2025
Tracee Ellis Ross The actress has become a familiar fixture in the front row of Chavarria’s shows, and has been seen on the red carpet and out on the town wearing his designs.

— Cat Cardenas, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2025