foregoing 1 of 2

Definition of foregoingnext

foregoing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of forego
as in preceding
to go or come before in time if the sparse crowds are any indication of the public's interest in the presidential candidate, then his reputation obviously foregoes him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word foregoing distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of foregoing are antecedent, anterior, former, preceding, previous, and prior. While all these words mean "being before," foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When would antecedent be a good substitute for foregoing?

While in some cases nearly identical to foregoing, antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When is anterior a more appropriate choice than foregoing?

The synonyms anterior and foregoing are sometimes interchangeable, but anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When might former be a better fit than foregoing?

The words former and foregoing can be used in similar contexts, but former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When is it sensible to use preceding instead of foregoing?

The meanings of preceding and foregoing largely overlap; however, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

How are the words previous and prior related as synonyms of foregoing?

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

How is the word foregoing distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of foregoing are antecedent, anterior, former, preceding, previous, and prior. While all these words mean "being before," foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When would antecedent be a good substitute for foregoing?

While in some cases nearly identical to foregoing, antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When is anterior a more appropriate choice than foregoing?

The synonyms anterior and foregoing are sometimes interchangeable, but anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

When might former be a better fit than foregoing?

The words former and foregoing can be used in similar contexts, but former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

When is it sensible to use preceding instead of foregoing?

The meanings of preceding and foregoing largely overlap; however, preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

How are the words previous and prior related as synonyms of foregoing?

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 foregoing
Adjective
That is consistent with a shift observed in March last year among seniors, which authorities theorized could be driven by less severe disease in hospitals or more foregoing hospital care. Alexander Tin, CBS News, 4 May 2023 The image below shows what is perhaps the key element that helped tie all the foregoing aspects together. Jason Samenow, Washington Post, 5 July 2022 As seen, in all of the foregoing 20-year periods surveyed, the stock index possessed average annual returns exceeding that of the rate of inflation. Dan Cupkovic, Forbes, 16 June 2022 The daily average is also now a significant undercount, with most people testing positive on rapid tests that go unreported or foregoing testing altogether. Julie Mazziotta, PEOPLE.com, 31 May 2022 That should help doctors and patients feel more comfortable foregoing radiation after thyroid surgery, Leboulleux said. Angus Chen, STAT, 10 Mar. 2022 City dwellers are increasingly foregoing car ownership. Anna Funk, Discover Magazine, 9 Aug. 2019
Verb
And, not only will the principal be protected and the interest potentially significant, but CDs are also FDIC-insured, offering peace of mind to savers who are foregoing access to their money for multiple years. CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026 Years of steadily climbing coffee prices have some in this country of coffee lovers upending their habits by nixing café visits, switching to cheaper brews or foregoing it altogether. Matt Sedensky, Fortune, 16 Feb. 2026 Years of steadily climbing coffee prices have some in this country of coffee lovers upending their habits by nixing café visits, switching to cheaper brews or foregoing it altogether. ABC News, 13 Feb. 2026 Uma also added that people are foregoing rectangular headboards for curved and triangle-shaped options now too. Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 1 Feb. 2026 But as fans chant her name, foregoing halftime trips to concession stands and restrooms to watch her perform, Niu is filled with both gratitude and motivation. Alanis Thames, Twin Cities, 29 Jan. 2026 Despite keeping as much of their old routines as possible, including foregoing a live-in staff, Kate Middleton and Prince William’s grand new eight-room dwelling comes with twice the size of their former residence—and its own royal rules that not even the king-to-be is able to bend. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026 But Rose is foregoing the sport this winter to concentrate on her track career. Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026 In other words, aspiring to live more slowly does not necessarily mean foregoing ambition or hard work. Jana Pollack, Parents, 28 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foregoing
Adjective
  • Sunday's unrest came amid ongoing cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which began Thursday after Afghanistan launched attacks in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes the previous Sunday.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Messi, who had missed three previous Inter Miami games in Orlando since joining the club, had a pair of brilliant goals and an assist after halftime as Miami scored four unanswered goals.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Like the aforementioned left guards, Bitonio should replace Wilson in the starting lineup if signed.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The aforementioned Redbreast is a great example of this, but a newer entry into the category that is worth your attention comes from Glendalough.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Today’s financial world reminds him of the wild years preceding the global financial crisis of 2008-09.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Derry Girls, which followed teens in McGee’s native Derry in the years preceding 1998’s Good Friday Agreement, was a raucous, joke-dense show that juxtaposed mundane adolescent rites of passage with the daily horrors of life in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
    Judy Berman, Time, 27 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foregoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foregoing. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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