ANTECEDENT: Synonyms and Related Words. What is Another Word for ANTECEDENT?

Need another word that means the same as “antecedent”? Find 16 synonyms and 30 related words for “antecedent” in this overview.

The synonyms of “Antecedent” are: ancestor, ascendant, ascendent, root, forerunner, precursor, predecessor, forefather, forebear, progenitor, previous, earlier, prior, foregoing, preceding, precursory

Antecedent as a Noun

Definitions of "Antecedent" as a noun

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “antecedent” as a noun can have the following definitions:

• The referent of an anaphor; a phrase or clause that is referred to by an anaphoric pronoun.
• A person's ancestors or family and social background.
• The statement contained in the ‘if’ clause of a conditional proposition.
• A preceding occurrence or cause or event.
• Anything that precedes something similar in time.
• An earlier word, phrase, or clause to which another word (especially a following relative pronoun) refers back.
• Someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent.
• A thing that existed before or logically precedes another.

Synonyms of "Antecedent" as a noun (10 Words)

ancestor	An early type of animal or plant from which others have evolved. This instrument is an ancestor of the lute.
ascendant	The point on the ecliptic at which it intersects the eastern horizon at a particular time, typically that of a person’s birth. That idea was in the ascendant.
ascendent	Position or state of being dominant or in control.
forebear	An ancestor. Generations of his forebears had lived in London.
forefather	A member of the past generations of one’s family or people; an ancestor. Keep the faith of our forefathers.
forerunner	A person who goes before or announces the coming of another. Overcast mornings are the sure forerunners of steady rain.
precursor	A substance from which another is formed, especially by metabolic reaction. A three stringed precursor of the violin.
predecessor	A thing that has been followed or replaced by another. The new President s foreign policy is very similar to that of his predecessor.
progenitor	An ancestor in the direct line. His children were the progenitors of many of Scotland s noble families.
root	Any plant grown for its root. The root form of the word.

Usage Examples of "Antecedent" as a noun

• Phrenology was an antecedent of modern neuroscience.
• Her early life and antecedents have been traced.
• Some antecedents to the African novel might exist in Africa's oral traditions.

Antecedent as an Adjective

Definitions of "Antecedent" as an adjective

According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, “antecedent” as an adjective can have the following definitions:

• Preceding in time or order.
• Denoting or counting as an antecedent.
• Preceding in time or order; previous or pre-existing.

Synonyms of "Antecedent" as an adjective (6 Words)

earlier	Being or occurring at an early stage of development. A fashion popular in earlier times.
foregoing	Just mentioned or stated; preceding. The foregoing analysis of the economic class structure.
preceding	Existing or coming before. A growth in sales above those of the preceding year.
precursory	Preceding something in time, development, or position; preliminary. Precursory seismic activity.
previous	(used especially of persons) of the immediate past. The boat s previous owner.
prior	Earlier in time. He has a prior engagement this evening.

Usage Examples of "Antecedent" as an adjective

• Antecedent events.

Associations of "Antecedent" (30 Words)

ancestor	An early type of animal or plant from which others have evolved. He could trace his ancestors back to James the First.
antedate	Establish something as being earlier relative to something else. There are no references to him that would antedate his birth.
before	During the period of time preceding a particular event or time. He called me the day before but your call had come even earlier.
clan	A large family. The Watts clan is one of racing s oldest families.
first	The first element in a countable series. Her first baby.
forego	Lose (s.th.) or lose the right to (s.th.) by some error, offense, or crime.
forerunner	A sign or warning of something to come. Overcast mornings are the sure forerunners of steady rain.
former	Of or occurring in the past. Former generations.
formerly	At a previous time. The building formerly housed the National Assembly.
front	Stand face to face with confront. He s got a bit of talent and a lot of front.
harbinger	A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another. These works were not yet opera but they were the most important harbinger of opera.
outdistance	Leave (a competitor or pursuer) far behind. He outdistanced the other runners.
outpace	Surpass in speed. He outpaced all six defenders.
portent	A sign of something about to happen. Many birds are regarded as being portents of death.
precede	Furnish with a preface or introduction. A gun battle had preceded the explosions.
precedent	A previous case or legal decision that may be or binding precedent must be followed in subsequent similar cases. There are substantial precedents for using interactive media in training.
preceding	Existing or coming before. The preceding pages.
precursor	Something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone. A three stringed precursor of the violin.
precursory	Preceding something in time, development, or position; preliminary. Precursory seismic activity.
predate	Establish something as being earlier relative to something else. Here parish boundaries seem clearly to predate Roman roads.
predecessor	One who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office. The chapel was built in 1864 on the site of its predecessor.
preemptive	Designed or having the power to deter or prevent an anticipated situation or occurrence. A preemptive business offer.
prefatory	Serving as an introduction; introductory. In his prefatory remarks the author claims that.
prematurely	Before the end of the normal period of gestation. I spoke prematurely.
prerequisite	Something that is required in advance. Latin was a prerequisite for admission.
preview	A trailer for a film. I have photos of the goods if anyone would like a preview.
previous	Previous convictions a criminal record. The previous occupant of the White House.
prior	The head of a religious order in an abbey the prior is next below the abbot. He has a prior engagement this evening.
priority	Preceding in time. National independence takes priority over class struggle.
progenitor	A person or thing from which a person, animal, or plant is descended or originates; an ancestor or parent. The progenitor of modern jazz.