as in previous
going before another in time or order
I'd like to follow up on an antecedent question from another reporter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in cause
someone or something responsible for a result
what are the antecedents of the American Revolutionary War?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in forerunner
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 antecedent
Hakan Karaosman, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2024
Relaxed high-altitude winds, the spreading of air aloft and the presence of an antecedent tropical wave all made for the formation of a hurricane — but record-warm water temperatures, reminiscent of September, helped transform the storm into a top-tier tempest.
—Amanda Coletta, Washington Post, 2 July 2024
Nathaniel D. F. Allen, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2015
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
See All Example Sentences for antecedent
Adjective
Responsible purchasing is antecedent to fair and equitable decarbonization in the supply chain.
—Hakan Karaosman, Sourcing Journal, 17 Oct. 2024
Relaxed high-altitude winds, the spreading of air aloft and the presence of an antecedent tropical wave all made for the formation of a hurricane — but record-warm water temperatures, reminiscent of September, helped transform the storm into a top-tier tempest.
—Amanda Coletta, Washington Post, 2 July 2024
Noun
The Boko Haram insurgency itself has an antecedent in the Maitatsine religious upheavals of the 1980s, a tumultuous chapter in northern Nigerian history that claimed over 5,000 lives.
—Nathaniel D. F. Allen, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2015
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
See All Example Sentences for antecedent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antecedent
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
-
Cybex e-Priam for $1,300: This was our previous electric stroller pick.—
Nena Farrell,
WIRED,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The first is a robotic wrap-around vision system that automatically inspects laser welds on door assemblies, identifying both anomalies and their likely causes in production.—
Jim Vinoski,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
-
At this time, there is no data on the containment status of the fire and the cause has yet to be determined.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacramento Bee,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
In 1914, Frank Newman opened the Royal Theatre which was a forerunner to movie palaces in the city, a significant departure from nickelodeons.—
Michael Wells,
Kansas City Star,
28 Feb. 2025
-
Hammond, the school’s forerunner, won its fourth straight 3A sectional title in 2008.—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The Cajuns of south Louisiana trace their ancestors to the French Acadians exiled from Nova Scotia around 1755.—
Kristy Christiansen,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2025
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Our ancestors crossed a vast ocean, strode into the unknown wilderness, and carved their fortunes from the rock and soil of a perilous and very dangerous frontier.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Planned a year in advance, essentially right after the previous Oscars ceremony has wrapped, the glamorous precursor to Hollywood’s biggest night comes together thanks to a production team filled with hard-working, movie-loving craftspeople.—
Sharareh Drury,
People.com,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Zelenskyy wants that deal to be a precursor to Trump guaranteeing support for Ukraine if Russia violates a potential peace agreement.—
Dan Mangan,Christina Wilkie,
CNBC,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
In 1971, for example, the commission's predecessor issued a license to General Electric Company to store nuclear waste at a standalone facility.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2025
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By comparison, Trump's recent predecessors each issued more appeals for congressional action.—
Geoffrey Skelley,
ABC News,
3 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Antecedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antecedent. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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