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

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 anterior Empathy and Emotional Intelligence Immersing yourself in fictional narratives engages the regions of your brain linked to social cognition and empathy, such as the anterior temporal lobes. Harrison Monarth, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2024 The study, published in Science, details the complexity packed into a little slice of an anterior temporal lobe, thought to be involved in memory. Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024 Coronary Arteries The coronary arteries include the right coronary artery (RCA) and the left coronary artery, which divides into the circumflex artery and the left anterior descending artery (LAD). Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024 Receiver Brandon Aiyuk also has been on IR since Week 8 after tearing the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee. Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 4 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for anterior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anterior
Adjective
  • It’s abandoned now and has fallen into disrepair, with broken slats on the wood steps and prickly bushes growing over the front porch.
    Melinda Newman, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The British supermodel later popped up on the front row at Dolce & Gabbana, where designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana opened the doors of their HQ and had models walk straight off the runway out onto a makeshift catwalk on the street.
    Scarlett Conlon, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • When Zelensky challenged Vance's call for diplomacy by citing Russia's violations of previous agreements, tensions escalated further.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Free from the look imposed on her for her previous project, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, hairstylist Cervando Maldonado has crafted bangs worthy of being pinned beside fringe-inspo from Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • An attack on Medicaid and CHIP is a frontal assault on the 80 million Americans who depend on both programs for health care and home care.
    Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
  • In 2023, the Willis family shared that Bruce had received a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive condition which causes the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain to atrophy.
    Tommy McArdle, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anterior. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on anterior

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