Synonyms for

Preceded

Verb / prɪˈsi:dɪd / / pri:ˈsi:dɪd / Another word for preceded — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to come before something or someone in time or in order

Synonyms & similar words

comebefore succeed antedate preface precede postdate lead follow predate forgo premise forego antecede introduce antecede forerun predate forego antecedent antedate harbinger herald lead pioneer preexist presage pretext proceed usher prelude premier priority

Synonyms by register

Formal

antedated forewent preceded by

Informal

came before went first

Literary

fore-ran ushered in

Antonyms

followed succeeded postceded ensued resulted came after

Common collocations

  • preceded by a margin
  • preceded by a period
  • preceded by a significant
  • preceded by a brief
  • preceded by a long
  • preceded by a short
  • preceded by a number

Word family

noun precedence
verb precede
adjective preceding
adverb precedingly

Usage note

This word is often used in formal contexts to indicate something that came before in time, order, or importance. Be careful not to confuse it with 'proceed', which means to move forward.

Example sentences

  1. The storm was preceded by a drop in temperature.
  2. The introduction will be preceded by a musical performance.
  3. In the alphabet, 'o' precedes 'p'.
  4. The queen is always preceded by her guards.
  5. The announcement was preceded by a moment of silence.

Quotes

  • The future is always an unknown before the present, and the present is always an unknown before it is preceded by the past. - N. Scott Momaday
  • The winter solstice has always been special to me as a barren darkness that gives birth to a verdant future beyond imagination, a time of pain and withdrawal that precedes healing and renewal. - Gary Zukav
  • The past is never dead. It's not even past. - William Faulkner

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