as in preceding
to go or come before in time
gunpowder predated the invention of the gun by several centuries
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 predating
Alaskan, then, was even a pioneer of pop-up pickup campers in general, predating other long-running innovators like Four-Wheel Campers by over a decade.
—
New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026
The shows have been a prominent feature of the park’s summer and seasonal festivities since 1968, with operations predating the California Coastal Act of 1976.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
For Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is an international strait as set out under international law predating UNCLOS – notably the International Court of Justice’s ruling in the 1949 Corfu Channel case and the 1958 Territorial Seas Convention.
—Elizabeth Mendenhall, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
For Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is an international strait as set out under international law predating UNCLOS – notably the International Court of Justice’s ruling in the 1949 Corfu Channel case and the 1958 Territorial Seas Convention.
—Elizabeth Mendenhall, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
The backstory The Ranch Malibu is widely recognized as one of the original destination wellness retreats of its kind in the US, predating many high‑profile health hospitality brands and helping define the structured immersion model.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
The holiday, which marks the first day of spring, originated from the Zoroastrianism religion, predating Islam in Iran.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
They are estimated to have evolved around 500 million years ago, predating the age of dinosaurs by roughly 265 million years.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2026
The book features over 70 historical workwear garments—some predating the invention of modern blue jeans—and more than 350 photographs spanning cabinet cards, cartes de visite, real photo postcards, tintypes, and stereoscopic photo cards.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Feb. 2026
New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026
The shows have been a prominent feature of the park’s summer and seasonal festivities since 1968, with operations predating the California Coastal Act of 1976.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
For Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is an international strait as set out under international law predating UNCLOS – notably the International Court of Justice’s ruling in the 1949 Corfu Channel case and the 1958 Territorial Seas Convention.
—Elizabeth Mendenhall, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026
For Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is an international strait as set out under international law predating UNCLOS – notably the International Court of Justice’s ruling in the 1949 Corfu Channel case and the 1958 Territorial Seas Convention.
—Elizabeth Mendenhall, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2026
The backstory The Ranch Malibu is widely recognized as one of the original destination wellness retreats of its kind in the US, predating many high‑profile health hospitality brands and helping define the structured immersion model.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
The holiday, which marks the first day of spring, originated from the Zoroastrianism religion, predating Islam in Iran.
—Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026
They are estimated to have evolved around 500 million years ago, predating the age of dinosaurs by roughly 265 million years.
—Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2026
The book features over 70 historical workwear garments—some predating the invention of modern blue jeans—and more than 350 photographs spanning cabinet cards, cartes de visite, real photo postcards, tintypes, and stereoscopic photo cards.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 18 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for predating
preceding
Verb
-
In the three years preceding Richard’s death, police were dispatched to the Hollis apartment more than 25 times.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Among three graduating classes preceding 2025, 61% work at CDC and 8% work at other federal agencies.—
Matthew Donahue,
STAT,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Predating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/predating. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
