Synonyms of anterior

anterior

adjective

an-ˈtir-ē-ər 

1

as in front

being at or in the forward part or surface of something

the anterior chamber of the eye is bounded in front by the cornea

Synonyms & Similar Words

• front
• frontal
• ventral
• fore
• frontward
• forward

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• posterior
• rear
• hind
• hinder
• dorsal
• after
• aft
• rearward
• hindmost

2

as in previous

going before another in time or order

fossils from an anterior geologic age

Synonyms & Similar Words

• previous
• preceding
• earliest
• early
• former
• prior
• antecedent
• precedent
• initial
• original
• foregoing
• premature
• first
• advance
• introductory
• preexisting
• preliminary
• pioneer
• inaugural
• erstwhile
• maiden
• whilom

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• posterior
• subsequent
• following
• later
• succeeding
• ensuing
• after
• late
• advanced
• last
• latter
• final
• terminal
• latest
• ultimate
• concluding
• closing

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

Recent Examples of anterior

To test this hypothesis, the researchers recruited seven people who were scheduled for an anterior temporal lobectomy, a type of surgery in which pieces of brain tissue are removed in order to treat severe epilepsy. — Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 6 May 2026

Anchoring the anterior is a carbon-fiber apron accented by chrome. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026

Spicer confounds the boundaries between personal and public address through the form of the letter, maintaining the intimate tone found in letters to lovers and friends, but with an anterior intention of reading these letters to an audience. — Literary Hub, 6 Apr. 2026

At the core of the system is the ability to read ErrPs generated in the brain’s anterior cingulate cortex. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026