I. noun
1.
Synonyms: cause 1, determinant, occasion, reason
Related Word: forebear, forerunner, precursor; agency, instrumentality, means
Contrasted words: sequel; upshot
Antonyms: consequence
2.
Synonyms: forerunner 2, ancestor, antecessor, foregoer, precursor, predecessor, prototype
3.
antecedents plural
Synonyms: ancestor 1, ascendant, forebear, forefather, primogenitor, progenitor
II. adjective
Synonyms: preceding , anterior, foregoing, former, past, precedent, previous, prior
Antonyms: consequent; subsequent