antecedent 1 of 2

antecedent

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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
European hard-right parties, some with fascist antecedents, hope to capitalize on Mr. Trump’s unrelenting presence and emulate his victory. Roger Cohen, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 To be fair, Trump has never been explicit about the antecedent Again. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for antecedent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antecedent
Adjective
  • Economists polled by Dow Jones are expecting an increase of 2,000 to 235,000 from the previous week.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 11 July 2025
  • Faulk also received $392 from the foundation the previous year.
    Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2025
  • At this time, the containment status is unknown and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 July 2025
Noun
  • Last week the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case Little vs. Hecox, which began in 2020 when Idaho became a forerunner for states with laws that ban trans athletes in women's and girls' sports.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025
  • For some years, the Octagon was home to Ohio’s militia, a forerunner to today’s National Guard; during the summer, soldiers would erect tents and practice training exercises.
    Kevin Williams, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Such cooperative behavior to defend from predators like raptors may have first evolved in our ancestors.
    Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • The fifth-generation Southerner said removing the monument would be a betrayal to the memory of his ancestors and other soldiers.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 13 July 2025
Noun
  • Chinese authorities have since controlled a number of these precursor chemicals.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
  • As a precursor of sorts for CBS stalwart Survivor (which returns for its 49th edition on September 24), Big Brother is the perfect reality appetizer before the ultimate main course.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Graydon also wanted to enlist Jane Sarkin, his VF predecessor Tina Brown’s longtime celebrity wrangler, who was well known for her formidable Rolodex of agents and publicists.
    Michael Grynbaum, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2025
  • Both of Trump’s two-term predecessors, Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, visited Britain multiple times, though both were issued just one state visit.
    Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antecedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antecedent. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

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