1
as in causes
someone or something responsible for a result
what are the antecedents of the American Revolutionary War?
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in forerunners
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed
the typewriter is the antecedent of the computer keyboard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of antecedents
The parallel plotlines involving Ali’s possible descendants and problematic antecedents, including a father (Ercan Kesal) who seems to be particularly abusive towards his wife, collide in highly unusual ways during the movie’s volatile second half.
—
Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025
Art-wise, there are antecedents.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Many of Guardiola’s most famous antecedents — Bill Shankly, Arrigo Sacchi — either resigned or retired because of the strain the job placed on them.
—Rory Smith, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
But what sets the West apart from all its historical antecedents and modern counterparts is precisely its trial-and-error democracies, protected by politically and economically inclusive institutions.
—Vuk Vukovic, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024
The results said much about the foundational beliefs that serve as antecedents to their voting proclivities.
—Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
Chinatown is very much in argument with the style and structure of its antecedents, manifestly not the neo-noir it is often said to be.
—airmail.news, 20 July 2024
Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025
Art-wise, there are antecedents.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Many of Guardiola’s most famous antecedents — Bill Shankly, Arrigo Sacchi — either resigned or retired because of the strain the job placed on them.
—Rory Smith, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024
But what sets the West apart from all its historical antecedents and modern counterparts is precisely its trial-and-error democracies, protected by politically and economically inclusive institutions.
—Vuk Vukovic, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024
The results said much about the foundational beliefs that serve as antecedents to their voting proclivities.
—Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
Chinatown is very much in argument with the style and structure of its antecedents, manifestly not the neo-noir it is often said to be.
—airmail.news, 20 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antecedents
Noun
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The chamber has urged Beijing to consider ways to fix the root causes of overproduction and give the private sector a bigger role in major industries such as healthcare where state entities tend to hold a greater sway in China.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
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Lisa Lake/Getty Images for MoveOn Ben & Jerry's has become known for more than its ice cream, garnering publicity for championing a number of social causes relating to climate change, racial justice and immigration.—
Hugh Cameron
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Many infectious diseases are lethal only for the poor; they are layered atop comorbidities and chronic conditions produced by social and commercial determinants of health.—
Stan Chu Ilo,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
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However, FQHCs excel in community trust, long-term patient engagement and navigating complex social determinants of health.—
Dr. Ara J. Baghdasarian,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The findings suggest that alcohol is a regular part of a chimpanzee’s diet and may have been a part of our human ancestors’ diets.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Sep. 2025
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Scientists are similarly investigating endophytes of ancient wheat varieties, which, like corn’s ancestors, are more disease-resistant than modern varieties.—
Anna Marija Helt,
JSTOR Daily,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
And the precursors for that reality may already be in motion, Metzger noted.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
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While every relationship faces challenges, certain patterns consistently appear as precursors to deeper dysfunction.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The new sports-centric smart glasses have up to nine hours of battery life, can capture 3K video and contain speakers that are louder than their predecessors.—
Jonathan Vanian,
CNBC,
18 Sep. 2025
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But the Chiefs are better than their predecessors, no?—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Antecedents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antecedents. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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