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
• frontwards
• 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

Studies using fMRI scans show that when people experience a good magic trick, areas in the brain linked to conflict detection and surprise—like the anterior cingulate cortex and prefrontal cortex—light up. —Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025

The snake then examined the anterior parts of the hare, biting and pulling a front leg, before also biting its head. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025

During the mauling, the girl received lacerations to her face, left anterior chest and right neck, according to the lawsuit. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025

The same oxytocin and vasopressin systems responsible for long-term romantic bonding in monogamous species are also activated in human relationships, with observable effects on neural regions like the anterior cingulate cortex, ventral pallidum and insula. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025