The term predate can be defined as occurring before a certain date or time. This term can be broken down into five crossword solutions: ANTEDATE (8 letters), PRECEDE (7 letters), ANTECEDE (8 letters), EVE (3 letters), and MISDATE (7 letters). An ANTEDATE is an earlier date than the one that was originally set, while to PRECEDE is to come before something in time or order. ANTECEDE is similar to PRECEDE, but it implies a greater degree of precedence. EVE is the day before a special event or holiday. Lastly, MISDATE is to assign an incorrect date to something.