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
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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
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025
Scholars are still uncovering important questions about the antecedents and consequences of leader perfectionism.
—Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
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
There’d be no 30 Rock without its antecedent, The Larry Sanders Show.
—Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 12 June 2025
Scholars are still uncovering important questions about the antecedents and consequences of leader perfectionism.
—Esade Business & Law School, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for antecedent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antecedent
Adjective
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As a result, early educators were notified they would be laid off on June 30 when the previous grant expired, and families were forced to find other child care options starting on June 4.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 July 2025
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Economists polled by Dow Jones are expecting an increase of 2,000 to 235,000 from the previous week.—
Medora Lee,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Engage Donors Beyond Asks Donors are eager to support causes that are impactful and meaningful.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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But in 2004, a Dover, Penn., school board member objected to the textbook and pushed to replace it with one that promotes intelligent design — the belief that certain features of life are best explained by an intelligent cause rather than natural selection.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
8 July 2025
Noun
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The killer is a man who, for all his delusions, pokes at the other men’s complacency and domesticity — making this thriller a forerunner of everything from Easy Rider to The Hitcher to Collateral. 20.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
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Here is a look at some of the most likely forerunners to serve as the 267th pope, according to public reporting.—
Caitlin McFall,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The gift of 'The Mahabharata' that my ancestors gave me is truly the gift that keeps giving.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
2 July 2025
-
The same ancestor who founded this homestead left his own family behind in Georgia; that cold resolve is Hailey’s inheritance too.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Chinese authorities have since controlled a number of these precursor chemicals.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
12 July 2025
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As a precursor of sorts for CBS stalwart Survivor (which returns for its 49th edition on September 24), Big Brother is the perfect reality appetizer before the ultimate main course.—
Marc Berman,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Both of Trump’s two-term predecessors, Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, visited Britain multiple times, though both were issued just one state visit.—
Caitlin McFall,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
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Several of Trump’s predecessors have also gone on state visits to the U.K.—
Brendan Rascius
July 14,
Miami Herald,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Antecedent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antecedent. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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