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 The anterior cingulate cortex, or ACC, is a part of the brain involved in higher-level thinking and emotional processing. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 When the deep stabilizing muscles of the shoulder, such as the lower trapezius, serratus anterior and rotator cuff, aren’t firing properly, larger muscles such as the upper trapezius (located at the side of the neck and top of the back) and pectoralis major (upper chest) tend to take over. Dana Santas, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025 This includes checking for something called an anterior drawer sign. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025 Each muscle is responsible for a different movement: the anterior auricular muscle pulls the ear forward, the superior auricular muscle lifts it slightly, and the posterior auricular muscle pulls it backward. Clarissa Brincat, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anterior
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anterior
Adjective
  • Julio Trejo was on the front steps of Miami-Dade’s family courthouse two years ago when he was hauled off to jail on charges of stalking and ignoring a stay-away order.
    Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 27 May 2025
  • Emergency crews responded to reports of a one-car crash just after 3 p.m. in the area of 400 Bradley Street involving a front seat passenger who had been ejected from a moving car, according to Capt. Joseph M. Murgo of the East Haven Police Department.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • Garcia’s arrival looks likely to mean consequences for Barca’s previous first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen — and already the drum-beat of rumour, speculation and comment from friendly local media, aimed at persuading Ter Stegen to leave, has begun.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • So, the compatibility should extend to iPhone 11 and later, but based on previous trends, Apple might reserve the highest charging speed for the iPhone 17 series.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 5 June 2025
Adjective
  • The catastrophic inland flooding associated with Hurricane Helene was a dangerous mix of tropical moisture, a predecessor rainfall event and the interaction of several synoptic meteorology features (a cutoff low, high pressure and a frontal boundary).
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Lace: Handling frontal wigs requires delicate care to prevent any damage to the lace.
    Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Anterior.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anterior. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on anterior

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