Thesaurus results for ANTERIOR

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

adjective

an-ˈtir-ē-ər

Definition of anterior next

as in front

being at or in the forward part or surface of something the anterior chamber of the eye is bounded in front by the cornea

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in previous

going before another in time or order fossils from an anterior geologic age

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Foley, 30, had surgery to repair the anterior capsule in his right shoulder. —

Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025 Vonn crashed at the 2013 World Championships in Austria, tearing her anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments and fracturing her tibial plateau. —

Sierra Shafer, Outside, 18 Nov. 2025 Tight hip flexors pull your pelvis forward into an anterior tilt, forcing your back into an arch that compresses your lumbar spine and stresses low-back muscles. —

Dana Santas, CNN Money, 17 Nov. 2025 The major muscles worked in this exercise include ankle stabilizers like the tibialis anterior and posterior, calves, quadriceps, glutes, and hip flexors. —

Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anterior

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anterior

Adjective

Carlos Narváez hit his first home run of the season in the bottom of the fifth to put Boston back in front, 2-1.

— Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026
Either way, the Giants have another monster for their front seven.

— Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026