preceding
4 synonyms and 1 antonyms for preceding, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Coming right before something else in time, order, or position.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use preceding
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From the Latin-derived verb precede (\"to go before\"), plus the -ing ending.
Full origin of preceding →Frequently asked questions
What does “preceding” mean?
The word “preceding” means coming right before something else in time, order, or position. In plain terms, whatever came just before — the thing, event, or section right ahead of the one being discussed.
How do you pronounce “preceding”?
“Preceding” is pronounced prih-SEE-dihng (/pɹɪˈsiːdɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “preceding” in a sentence?
Here is “preceding” used in a sentence: “Turn to the preceding page to see the full diagram.”
What is the opposite of “preceding”?
The opposite of “preceding” — its antonyms — is succeeding.
What part of speech is “preceding”?
“Preceding” is an adjective.
Where does the word “preceding” come from?
The word “preceding” comes from Latin. From the Latin-derived verb precede (\"to go before\"), plus the -ing ending.
Is “preceding” a common word?
“Preceding” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between preceding and previous?
Preceding and previous both describe something that comes before, but preceding is often used in more formal or written contexts, such as 'the preceding paragraph,' while previous is more common in everyday speech, as in 'the previous day.' They are largely interchangeable in meaning.
What is the difference between preceding and following?
Preceding refers to what comes right before something in time, order, or position, while following refers to what comes right after. They are direct opposites often used together to reference nearby sections in a document, such as 'the preceding and following chapters.'
How is preceding commonly used in formal writing?
Preceding is frequently used in formal, legal, and academic writing to refer back to something already mentioned, such as 'the preceding section' or 'the preceding argument,' helping readers locate related content without repeating it.