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

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 To those of you that are seriously immersed in the AI field, none of this foregoing pronouncement is surprising or raises any eyebrows. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 May 2022 That should help doctors and patients feel more comfortable foregoing radiation after thyroid surgery, Leboulleux said. Angus Chen, STAT, 10 Mar. 2022 None of the foregoing discussion is intended to imply that collaboration tools are inherently evil or unable to deliver productivity benefits. Mark Settle, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2021
Verb
If multiple participants remain after Week 18, each remaining participant will receive the foregoing prizes. The Athletic, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026 A number of West Coast couples are reportedly foregoing costly, extravagant weddings these days. Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026 The All Blacks scored again in the 22nd minute, foregoing a kick at goal from a penalty in favor a scrum 10 meters out. ABC News, 18 July 2026 Particularly during heat waves, though, foregoing air conditioning can be deadly. Swasti Singhai, USA Today, 30 June 2026 The first are those who are foregoing it because of the financial strain caused by inflation and rising prices. Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 22 June 2026 During Manhattanhenge, thousands of people gather in the streets, blocking traffic and foregoing other responsibilities to take some time to experience the event together. Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 1 June 2026 Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ ambitious plan to invest billions of dollars in underserved neighborhoods received a chilly reception this week from two school board members who questioned whether foregoing decades of future property tax revenue growth is in the best interest of students. Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 30 May 2026 Villalobos said among her GEAR UP students, there are several who are foregoing higher education altogether because of the economics. Victoria Le, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foregoing
Adjective
  • The Sezioni Unite — the highest rung of the Cassazione — accepted her arguments and overturned previous rulings, including one by a lower tier of the Cassazione which had upheld the minor issue as recently as 2024.
    Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The previous one was Jordan Diaz for the Athletics on May 9, 2023.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This oxford shirt offers a similar relaxed, boxy fit to the aforementioned top.
    Essence Wiley, InStyle, 8 Aug. 2026
  • New York’s punk and hardcore scenes centered the aforementioned acts.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In December 2024, the Pentagon estimated that China’s rocket force had boosted its missile supply by 50% in the preceding four years.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Doctors diagnosed the man with a spontaneous epidural hematoma, which is a blood clot that forms in the head or spine without any preceding trauma.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Foregoing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foregoing. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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