What are the opposite words for following?

The word "following" typically denotes the act of pursuing or adhering to someone or something, but there are several antonyms for this term that convey an opposite meaning. One possible antonym for "following" is "preceding," which refers to something that occurs or existed before a given time or event. Similarly, "leading" is a word that suggests being at the forefront or taking charge, rather than conforming to something else. "Opposing" is another useful antonym for "following," indicating a resistance or disagreement with a particular idea or direction. Other potential antonyms could include "forsaking," "abandoning," or "ignoring," all of which suggest a detachment or deviation from a previous path.