The phrase 'going before' refers to something or someone that comes first, or precedes another. There are several synonyms for this phrase, which vary in intensity and figurative meaning. For instance, the term 'preceding' implies an order of events or times, while 'antecedent' refers to something that existed before another similar thing. 'Prevenient' denotes something that happens before an event, while 'prior' is used to describe something that precedes another in time or importance. Other synonyms for 'going before' include 'past,' 'preliminary,' and 'foremost.' Whether it be in an actual or metaphorical sense, using appropriate synonyms can help clarify the meaning of 'going before'.