as in previous
existing at an earlier time; existing before something else
The insurance does not cover preexisting medical conditions. They made changes to the preexisting law.
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in preceding
to go or come before in time
an advanced Mesoamerican civilization whose apex and collapse preexisted the arrival of Europeans by hundreds of years
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preexisting
Tom Nichols, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2017
The company’s attorneys listed dozens of defenses, including that the injuries claimed were the result of preexisting or unrelated medical conditions and that the product contained an adequate warning.
—Patricia Callahan, ProPublica, 12 Dec. 2024
While economists are still sorting out how potential tariffs will impact consumer spending in 2025, two research papers published just prior to the president-elect’s trade announcement against Mexico, Canada and China, identified several preexisting challenges already in place.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 2 Dec. 2024
Now the school, which contains a mix of preexisting and new faculty and programs, is launching a two-year Master of Science in Climate.
—Andrew Freedman, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preexisting 
Adjective
In fact, however, the Internet tends to generate communities of the like-minded, groups dedicated to confirming their own preexisting beliefs rather than challenging them.
—Tom Nichols, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2017
The company’s attorneys listed dozens of defenses, including that the injuries claimed were the result of preexisting or unrelated medical conditions and that the product contained an adequate warning.
—Patricia Callahan, ProPublica, 12 Dec. 2024
While economists are still sorting out how potential tariffs will impact consumer spending in 2025, two research papers published just prior to the president-elect’s trade announcement against Mexico, Canada and China, identified several preexisting challenges already in place.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 2 Dec. 2024
Now the school, which contains a mix of preexisting and new faculty and programs, is launching a two-year Master of Science in Climate.
—Andrew Freedman, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preexisting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preexisting
Adjective
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Tech billionaire Elon Musk might not truly be leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), despite what President Donald Trump and his allies have said in previous weeks, according to new court documents reviewed by Newsweek.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
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So there are things that are back [from previous films].—
Mark Peikert,
IndieWire,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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That of the preceding year was sloppy and chilly.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Dec. 2024
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The Times has also filed public records requests for Google Chat messages sent in the 24 hours preceding the request.—
Tony Barboza,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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This adaptation demands re-conceiving large chunks of plot from the ground-up while retaining Liu’s themes, not to mention visualizing concepts with less precedent onscreen than the fantasy tropes Martin deployed and subverted.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
9 Mar. 2024
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Judge Barrett did not entirely embrace the notion of super-precedent.—
Jonathan Turley,
WSJ,
15 Oct. 2020
Adjective
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The initial deadline Thursday was postponed until Monday because of the court battle.—
Bart Jansen,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
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Hound, whose logo is based on Fenske’s own dog, already has built an initial development slate with projects set up at multiple streaming platforms and studios in the US.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
10 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The film also won best actor for Brody at the BAFTAs, as well as best cinematography and best original score.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
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The original intent of IDEA—systematic services for students with disabilities—was vital, but its execution has become mired in bureaucracy, inefficiency, and mixed outcomes.—
Scott White,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near preexisting
Cite this Entry
“Preexisting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preexisting. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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