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 commissure is a tract connecting the two hemispheres (halves) of the brain. New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2025 Linebacker Curtis Robinson, who opened camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, was cleared and suited up for practice 10 months after tearing an anterior cruciate knee ligament. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2025 The muscle that performs this motion is the tibialis anterior, located along the front of the shinbone. Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025 Altering the Brain The researchers found that diabetes weakens the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)—a key part of the brain. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anterior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anterior
Adjective
  • Two front pockets create cozy spots for your hands, and the zippered chest pocket offers easy access to small essentials.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Defensive end starter Charlie Collins and backup Phillip Lee led the front-line defensive group with two tackles each, though Lee had a team-high three quarterback hurries.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The two tablets share a similar design and many specs, while carrying over some features from previous generations.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025
  • That increase was fueled largely by national revenue — television, licensing and sponsorship proceeds shared equally among the 32 franchises — which rose to an average of $433 million per team from $403 million the previous season, according to league executives.
    Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The disease affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain and causes memory loss, personality changes, and in Willis’s case, aphasia.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
  • According to autopsy records obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Taylor suffered a frontal-parietal skull fracture consistent with blunt force trauma.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 23 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anterior. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on anterior

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