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Definition of preceding

preceding

/prɪˈsiː.dɪŋ/
pre · ced · ing
Past Simple:preceded
•
Past Participle:preceded
•
Present Participle:preceding
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preceding Lexical Profile

preceding Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Existing, happening, or coming immediately before in time, order, or position.

Example

"The main conclusions of the study are summarized in the preceding chapter."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To come before something in time, order, or position (present participle of precede).

Example

"The weeks preceding the championship match were filled with intense training."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for preceding
Antonyms
View all antonyms for preceding

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'preceding' (coming before in time or order) with 'proceeding' (moving forward or continuing an action, or a legal/official event).

• Rhymes for preceding

• Nearby Words

precedence
precedent
precedented
preceding
precentrix
precept
precheck

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the present participle of 'precede', which entered Middle English via Old French from the Latin 'praecedere', combining 'prae-' (before) and 'cedere' (to go).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Preceding. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/preceding
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