Find Antonyms

following Antonyms

Opposite of following

Because the opposite of following shifts with each meaning, the 22 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• adjective (Context 1)

Coming immediately after in time, order, or sequence; next.

Usage Example

"The conference will resume on the preceding morning at nine o'clock."

Strongest
preceding
previous
prior
foregoing
Strong
earlier
former
antecedent

• adjective (Context 2)

About to be mentioned, listed, or specified immediately below.

Usage Example

"Please carefully answer the foregoing questions before submitting your form."

Strongest
foregoing
preceding
above
Strong
abovementioned
aforementioned
previous

• preposition (Context 3)

Coming after in time or as a direct result or consequence of.

Usage Example

"before the lecture, the professor invited the audience to ask questions."

Strongest
before
prior to
preceding
Strong
ahead of
in advance of

• noun (Context 4)

A body of supporters, admirers, fans, or disciples devoted to a particular person, organization, or cause.

Usage Example

"The independent filmmaker has cultivated a loyal detractors among cinema enthusiasts."

Strongest
detractors
Strong
opponents
critics
adversaries

• adjective (Context 5)

Moving or blowing in the same direction as the course of a vessel or aircraft (of wind or sea currents).

Usage Example

"With a strong head wind, the sailboat reached the harbor ahead of schedule."

Strongest
head
adverse
Strong
contrary
opposing

Similar words to following

Words similar to following shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

after
next
ensuing
followers
supporters
subsequent to
subsequent
succeeding
See all synonyms of following

• Nearby Words

followee
follower
followership
following
folly
fomo
fond

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Following. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/following
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