Thesaurus

antecedent

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of antecedent

(Entry 1 of 2)

going before another in time or order

I'd like to follow up on an antecedent question from another reporter

Synonyms for antecedent

Words Related to antecedent

preexisting

Near Antonyms for antecedent

Antonyms for antecedent

antecedent

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of antecedent (Entry 2 of 2)

1 someone or something responsible for a result

what are the antecedents of the American Revolutionary War?

Synonyms for antecedent

Words Related to antecedent

Near Antonyms for antecedent

ramification

Antonyms for antecedent

2 something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed

the typewriter is the antecedent of the computer keyboard

Synonyms for antecedent

Words Related to antecedent

Near Antonyms for antecedent

daughter,
son

Antonyms for antecedent

descendant
(also descendent)

Frequently Asked Questions About antecedent

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