a. | 1. | Going before; - opposed to following. |
2. | (Astron.) In the direction toward which stars appear to move. See Following, 2. |
Adj. | 1. | preceding - existing or coming before Antonyms: succeeding - coming after or following |
2. | preceding - preceding in time or order Synonyms: antecedent | |
3. | preceding - of a person who has held and relinquished a position or office; "a retiring member of the board" |