Analogy (verbal reasoning): Identify the pair with the same relationship as "AFTER : BEFORE". Find a pair that are direct opposites in sequence or order. Choose the option that mirrors the antonym relation.

Concept/Approach
After is the opposite of before. We need a strict antonymic pair reflecting order in time/sequence.

Option analysis
successor:predecessor — exact opposites in sequence (one who comes after vs. one who comes before).first:second — adjacent sequence, not opposites.present:past — antonyms, but not role-based sequence like the stem; still weaker fit than successor/predecessor.contemporary:historic — not strict antonyms.

Final Answer
successor:predecessor