ANTERIOR Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

adjective

an-ˈtir-ē-ər

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 The researchers used a special kind of PET scan to detect changes in acetylcholine levels in the anterior cingulate cortex, a brain region that's important for making decisions and detecting errors. —

Jon Hamilton, NPR, 22 Oct. 2025 The anterior cingulate cortex, your brain’s conflict detector, becomes hyperactive in ambiguous situations. —

Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Big Think, 29 Sep. 2025 The anterior cingulate cortex regulates emotional responses to both experienced and observed pain, creating a powerful neurological circuit. —

Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 Deeper than the G-spot, the A-spot (anterior fornix erogenous zone) is located near the cervix along the vaginal wall. —

Essence, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anterior

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anterior

Adjective

Newspapers in Britain carried the story of the attack on Sieff on their front pages.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Jan. 2026
Welcoming spring doesn’t mean having to break out the annuals; instead, realistic faux florals like the HyeFlora Artificial Daisy and Eucalyptus Flowers, and these Artificial Boxwood Spiral Topiary Trees will create a cheery front patio—even in January.

— Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2026