preceding 1 of 2

preceding

2 of 2

verb

present participle of precede
as in predating
to go or come before in time there are two speeches which will precede yours

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word preceding distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of preceding are antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, previous, and prior. While all these words mean "being before," preceding usually implies being immediately before in time or in place.

the preceding sentence

Where would antecedent be a reasonable alternative to preceding?

While in some cases nearly identical to preceding, antecedent applies to order in time and may suggest a causal relation.

conditions antecedent to the revolution

When could anterior be used to replace preceding?

The meanings of anterior and preceding largely overlap; however, anterior applies to position before or ahead of usually in space, sometimes in time or order.

the anterior lobe of the brain

In what contexts can foregoing take the place of preceding?

While the synonyms foregoing and preceding are close in meaning, foregoing applies chiefly to statements.

the foregoing remarks

When is it sensible to use former instead of preceding?

In some situations, the words former and preceding are roughly equivalent. However, former implies always a definite comparison or contrast with something that is latter.

the former name of the company

How do previous and prior relate to one another, in the sense of preceding?

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 preceding
Adjective
Most of those were seized on Oct. 7, 2023, but others were taken hostage in the preceding decade, and a substantial number are no longer alive. Jerome Socolovsky, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025 During the preceding month, the platform was profiting off political ads from at least three of the lawmakers who signed the letter: Goldman, Schiff and Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.). Aaron Schaffer, Washington Post, 11 Dec. 2023 The accolades, as well as the president's preceding remarks, came exactly two years after the riot, which saw a number of former President Donald Trump's supporters storm the U.S. Capitol in an effort the overturn the 2020 election. Brigid Kennedy, The Week, 6 Jan. 2023 Lincecum had sneaked by Madison Bumgarner to advance in the preceding round, garnering 51% of the votes. John Shea, SFChronicle.com, 5 Apr. 2020 Annual inflation has been just 1.8% on average, down from about 3.5% during the preceding 20 years and 4.5% in the two decades before that. The Economist, 13 Feb. 2020 But the train whirred, caught and deposited us at the preceding station. Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2020 And/or the headings are continuations of the last sentence of the preceding section: But first, before Franz got back, THE RING OF THE NIBELUNG came round. Ben Lerner, The New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2019 The preceding fortnight offered a new round of action, though. Jimmy Vielkind, WSJ, 23 June 2019
Verb
In seven preceding episodes, Season 3 zoomed in on the insecurities, selfishness, and devious choices of a wide-ranging ensemble cast. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 7 Apr. 2025 In the weeks preceding the announcement, many families paused to evaluate how their portfolio companies may be impacted by tariffs, according to Vicki Odette, partner at Haynes Boone. Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 4 Apr. 2025 But then the orchestra continued to play — with music from Jurassic World Rebirth preceding that pic’s new trailer unveil with director Gareth Edwards, Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali onstage. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025 Ocean freight and air freight are the first legs in the global supply chain, preceding activity in the trucking or rails closer to the final market. Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025 While the Broncos leaned on defense in the preceding victories over San Diego State and New Mexico, that wasn’t the case against Colorado State. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 16 Mar. 2025 This winter, Brown brought with him more acclaim than any of the five offseasons preceding it. Chandler Rome, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025 When Ocean last appeared at Coachella, there were no winking billboards preceding his performance. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025 The preceding heavy rain events left the soil saturated with excess water in the region’s rivers and streams, increasing the risk of flash flooding and river flooding. Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Preceding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preceding. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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