antecedent 1 of 2

antecedent

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word antecedent distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of antecedent are anterior, foregoing, former, preceding, previous, and prior. While all these words mean "being before," antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When can anterior be used instead of antecedent?

While the synonyms anterior and antecedent are close in meaning, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

In what contexts can foregoing take the place of antecedent?

The words foregoing and antecedent can be used in similar contexts, but foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

Where would former be a reasonable alternative to antecedent?

The words former and antecedent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When might preceding be a better fit than antecedent?

The synonyms preceding and antecedent are sometimes interchangeable, but preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

How are the words previous and prior related as synonyms of antecedent?

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 antecedent
Adjective
Responsible purchasing is antecedent to fair and equitable decarbonization in the supply chain. Hakan Karaosman, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2024 Relaxed high-altitude winds, the spreading of air aloft and the presence of an antecedent tropical wave all made for the formation of a hurricane — but record-warm water temperatures, reminiscent of September, helped transform the storm into a top-tier tempest. Amanda Coletta, Washington Post, 2 July 2024
Noun
At an apparel level, the two do habitually converse—Coco Chanel launched her business making tennis dresses, and today’s athleisure has antecedents in Claire McCardell’s bodysuits and Y2K-era Prada Sport. Maya Singer, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025 With Love, Meghan could use some Martha Stewart style Part of the problem is that as a celebrity, Meghan has two clear antecedents: Princess Diana and Martha Stewart. Constance Grady, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 See All Example Sentences for antecedent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antecedent
Adjective
  • The panic nearly erased all the gains of the previous three years of Trump's administration.
    Jim Sergent, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Personal spending grew at an annual rate of just 1.8% in January, February and March — less than half the pace of the previous quarter.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Lamy did not provide a cause of death, but according to media outlets including the Hollywood Reporter, the filmmaker had been battling brain cancer.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025
  • The Oceanside Police Department is actively investigating the cause of the crash, per the Oceanside Fire Department.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • The case was the forerunner to U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno’s decision to snatch Elián from his cousin’s Little Havana home and reunite him with his dad in Cuba.
    Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Most of the forerunners of modern Zionism saw themselves as secular.
    Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • However, our ancient ancestors used a variety of different substances as sunscreen to protect themselves.
    Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2025
  • The creature was an early common ancestor of platypuses and echidnas and the scientists used advanced scanning techniques to take a look at the bone's internal microstructure.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • Some say that news is a precursor to a recession, but that seems very unlikely given the other economic news.
    Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 3 May 2025
  • The paintings are a precursor to Mexico’s famous catsta (caste) paintings — a genre invented to depict biracial families that was omnipresent during most of the 18th century.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025
Noun
  • Supporters would not respond well to such triumphalism if defeats come more regularly, and as his predecessor Gary O’Neil found, such feel-good sentiments do not take long to dissipate.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • Trump mocked Carney’s predecessor by calling him Governor Trudeau.
    Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antecedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antecedent. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antecedent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!