Synonyms of anterior

anterior

adjective

an-ˈtir-ē-ər 

1

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

• front
• frontal
• ventral
• fore
• frontwards
• frontward
• forward

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• posterior
• rear
• hind
• hinder
• dorsal
• after
• aft
• rearward
• hindmost

2

as in previous

going before another in time or order

fossils from an anterior geologic age

Synonyms & Similar Words

• previous
• preceding
• earliest
• early
• former
• prior
• antecedent
• precedent
• initial
• original
• foregoing
• premature
• first
• advance
• introductory
• preexisting
• preliminary
• pioneer
• inaugural
• erstwhile
• maiden
• whilom

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• posterior
• subsequent
• following
• later
• succeeding
• ensuing
• after
• late
• advanced
• last
• latter
• final
• terminal
• latest
• ultimate
• concluding
• closing

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

Recent Examples of anterior

The pain signals from your fall activate parts of your brain called the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex that process memory and emotions. —Yenisel Cruz-Almeida, The Conversation, 27 Jan. 2025

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence Immersing yourself in fictional narratives engages the regions of your brain linked to social cognition and empathy, such as the anterior temporal lobes. —Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2024

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