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 One study found a modest risk of developing non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAOIN) – a rare eye condition that can lead to sudden vision loss due to lack of blood flow – in association with semaglutide and tirzepatide. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2025 Of course, treating discomfort or pain related to an anterior pelvic tilt is essential. Laura Harold, Outside, 13 Aug. 2025 In the anterior GPe, stronger delta waves during obsessions were positively correlated with how intense the patients rated their symptoms. 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 See All Example Sentences for anterior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anterior
Adjective
  • Apple upgraded the iPhone 17's front-facing camera in a big way.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025
  • With 60 percent of its 2,952 pounds over the front wheels, hard pushes at 9/10ths through tight 30 mph bends reveal clear understeer; however, on faster, sweeping corners, the balance feels spot on.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In July, a judge said Decarlos Brown might not be mentally capable of understanding previous charges against him.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The two sides reached terms on a renewal after a short-term extension to their previous pact, averting a blackout of Fox News and other nets on YouTube TV.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration describes FTD as a group of brain disorders caused by degeneration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes of the brain that affect behavior, language and movement, according to The Associated Press.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Anterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anterior. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on anterior

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