1
as in causes
someone or something responsible for a result
what are the antecedents of the American Revolutionary War?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in forerunners
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed
the typewriter is the antecedent of the computer keyboard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of antecedents
The parallel plotlines involving Ali’s possible descendants and problematic antecedents, including a father (Ercan Kesal) who seems to be particularly abusive towards his wife, collide in highly unusual ways during the movie’s volatile second half.
—
Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025
Art-wise, there are antecedents.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Many of Guardiola’s most famous antecedents — Bill Shankly, Arrigo Sacchi — either resigned or retired because of the strain the job placed on them.
—Rory Smith, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
But what sets the West apart from all its historical antecedents and modern counterparts is precisely its trial-and-error democracies, protected by politically and economically inclusive institutions.
—Vuk Vukovic, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024
The results said much about the foundational beliefs that serve as antecedents to their voting proclivities.
—Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
Chinatown is very much in argument with the style and structure of its antecedents, manifestly not the neo-noir it is often said to be.
—airmail.news, 20 July 2024
Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025
Art-wise, there are antecedents.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Many of Guardiola’s most famous antecedents — Bill Shankly, Arrigo Sacchi — either resigned or retired because of the strain the job placed on them.
—Rory Smith, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
But what sets the West apart from all its historical antecedents and modern counterparts is precisely its trial-and-error democracies, protected by politically and economically inclusive institutions.
—Vuk Vukovic, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024
The results said much about the foundational beliefs that serve as antecedents to their voting proclivities.
—Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
Chinatown is very much in argument with the style and structure of its antecedents, manifestly not the neo-noir it is often said to be.
—airmail.news, 20 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antecedents
Noun
-
Heavy rains and leaky sewage pipes The causes of fecal bacteria in coastal and inland waters vary depending on the region, but in each case it's worsened by heavy rains and extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes, experts said.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
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Harrell talks about diet, sleep, exercise and mental health to find the causes of problems.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Many infectious diseases are lethal only for the poor; they are layered atop comorbidities and chronic conditions produced by social and commercial determinants of health.—
Stan Chu Ilo,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
-
However, FQHCs excel in community trust, long-term patient engagement and navigating complex social determinants of health.—
Dr. Ara J. Baghdasarian,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Andrea spends his free time here when not traveling the world performing, while his younger brother Alberto and his family quietly tend to the 300 acres of grain fields, vines, and olive trees, safeguarding the land their ancestors once farmed as sharecroppers.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
But the staff at the Indian Community School were nurturing and respectful while the students learned about their ancestors' heritage.—
Frank Vaisvilas,
jsonline.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Events once considered rare—like the 2003 Northeast blackout that hit 50 million people—are now seen as precursors of larger disruptions.—
Robert Rapier,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Tarnopolsky recommends against the precursors since much more evidence supports the finished product.—
Matt Fuchs,
Time,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Armor Aluminum frame and glass create a cohesive package that feels well-balanced in the hand, just like the tablets' predecessors.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 Sep. 2025
-
With under four barrels of liquid in the entire release, The BigShǝBàng is even more limited than its 21 and 25 year-old predecessors.—
David Thomas Tao,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Antecedents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antecedents. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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