Definition of anteriornext

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 Vonn crashed at the 2013 World Championships in Austria, tearing her anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments and fracturing her tibial plateau. Sierra Shafer, Outside, 18 Nov. 2025 Tight hip flexors pull your pelvis forward into an anterior tilt, forcing your back into an arch that compresses your lumbar spine and stresses low-back muscles. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 17 Nov. 2025 The major muscles worked in this exercise include ankle stabilizers like the tibialis anterior and posterior, calves, quadriceps, glutes, and hip flexors. Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Oct. 2025 The researchers used a special kind of PET scan to detect changes in acetylcholine levels in the anterior cingulate cortex, a brain region that's important for making decisions and detecting errors. Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anterior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anterior
Adjective
  • The front tire was flat, with a screw protruding from it.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Resort-ready details, like a stretchy smocked back, two front pockets, colorblock stripes, and a flattering back cutout, are standout additions to your vacation repertoire, ready to pair seamlessly with a denim jacket on cooler nights or sleek sneakers for a more casual outing.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Earlier in the school year, BPS officials highlighted gains in chronic absenteeism — defined as students missing 10% or more of school days a year — across nearly all grade levels and student groups in the 2024-25 year from the previous year.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
  • That was 300 fewer than in the previous year but still more than six deaths a day and more than four times the mortality rate for the county as a whole.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The forcing and lift along the frontal boundary will keep storm chances around through the weekend.
    Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Trump is pressuring Mexico for a more frontal fight against the cartels and has threatened to take unilateral military action to address it.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anterior. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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