I. adjective
being before especially in time or in arrangement
the preceding day
Synonyms: antecedent, anterior, foregoing, former, past, precedent, previous, prior
Related Word: other; preexistent; precursive, precursory; erstwhile, heretofore, hitherto
Contrasted words: coming, ensuing, next, sequent, sequential, subsequent, successive
Antonyms: following, succeeding
II. preposition
Synonyms: before 1, ahead of, ante, ere, in advance of, prior to, to