Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

before

[bih-fawr, -fohr] / bɪˈfɔr, -ˈfoʊr /
ADVERB
earlier
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ahead back previously since sooner
WEAK
afore aforetime ante antecedently anteriorly before present ere fore former formerly forward heretofore in advance in days of yore in front in the old days in the past past precendently previous up to now
Antonyms
WEAK
after afterward behind later
PREPOSITION
earlier than
Synonyms
STRONGEST
since
WEAK
ahead of ante antecedent to anterior to ere in advance of in front of preceding previous to prior to
Antonyms
WEAK
after afterward behind later

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.

While commercial traffic is still a fraction of what it was before the war, the flow of vessels is an improvement through a critical chokepoint.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

"We're carrying the torch, if you like, forward into the future for generations that have gone before us and loved this building."

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

It was only a matter of time before the outperformance would wane.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Luna, who planned to lead the charge to expel Swalwell before he resigned, alleged that young staffers would talk among one another about Swalwell’s conduct.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

“I could tell you, Kathy, but I think I’d rather show you,” he said, then turned away and walked toward the door before stopping in the doorway and facing her again.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith