Synonyms

predate

American

[pree-deyt] / ˈpriˈdeɪt /

verb (used with object)

predated, predating

to date before the actual time; antedate.

He predated the check by three days.
to precede in date.

a house that predates the Civil War.

predate British

/ priːˈdeɪt /

verb

to affix a date to (a document, paper, etc) that is earlier than the actual date
to assign a date to (an event, period, etc) that is earlier than the actual or previously assigned date of occurrence
to be or occur at an earlier date than; precede in time

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of predate

First recorded in 1860–65; pre- + date ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"The diplomatic relationship between USA and South Africa predate the Trump administration and they will outlive the current White House term of office."

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Both economic reports predate the conflict with Iran, suggesting that growth was already slowing before the recent spike in oil prices added further strain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Some of Saks' woes, Cohen said, predate its acquisition of rival Neiman Marcus, which had previously filed for bankruptcy.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2026

“The violations they described all predate the December agreement,” said Catherine E. Lhamon, who oversaw the Office of Civil Rights at the Education Department under the Obama and Biden administrations.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2025

Had the king had them carved when he built the clock tower, or did they predate it?

From "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023