Synonym Chooser

How is the word anterior distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of anterior are antecedent, foregoing, former, preceding, previous, and prior. While all these words mean "being before," anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When might antecedent be a better fit than anterior?

The synonyms antecedent and anterior are sometimes interchangeable, but antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When could foregoing be used to replace anterior?

The words foregoing and anterior are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When can former be used instead of anterior?

The meanings of former and anterior largely overlap; however, former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

In what contexts can preceding take the place of anterior?

While in some cases nearly identical to anterior, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

How do previous and prior relate to one another, in the sense of anterior?

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 anterior The anterior cingulate cortex, or ACC, is a part of the brain involved in higher-level thinking and emotional processing. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 When the deep stabilizing muscles of the shoulder, such as the lower trapezius, serratus anterior and rotator cuff, aren’t firing properly, larger muscles such as the upper trapezius (located at the side of the neck and top of the back) and pectoralis major (upper chest) tend to take over. Dana Santas, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 This includes checking for something called an anterior drawer sign. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 Each muscle is responsible for a different movement: the anterior auricular muscle pulls the ear forward, the superior auricular muscle lifts it slightly, and the posterior auricular muscle pulls it backward. Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anterior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anterior
Adjective
  • The grass in the front lawn had been allowed to grow uncut during the spring, for the horses, so the owners had not been out into the area to inspect it.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • The bar and lounge area, a focal point of the restaurant, will expand with seating in the front window that looks out onto Main Street.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • In this '50s throwback world, the Doctor and Belinda have no memory of their previous lives, women are expected to stay home with the kids, and all doubts about the new normal must be reported to the authorities.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 24 May 2025
  • His previous two films were the ill-fated (but far better than remembered) Brainstorm, a psychedelic science fiction thriller forever marred due to its co-lead Natalie Wood's tragic death during production, and a dark masterpiece, David Cronenberg's adaptation of Stephen King's The Dead Zone.
    EW.com, EW.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Here’s what actually works for stiff muscles Examples include squats (sagittal plane), lateral lunges (frontal plane) and standing torso twists (transverse plane).
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The stretcher bar depth in Baer’s notations is clearly tied to the size of the painting’s frontal plane.
    Sarah K. Rich, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anterior. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on anterior

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