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.

Tinsley then pitched three hitless innings before UCF’s Aubrey Evans doubled off to right in the fourth.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

Last year, shares of software maker Figma opened just before 2 p.m.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

Malakye Matsumoto, the Knights’ talented baseball player, had one final on Friday before taking on Corona in a Southern Section Division 1 quarterfinal playoff game.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

Salah meditates for 15–20 minutes every day, either before sleep or upon waking, focusing on his goals and maintaining clarity.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

At least he waited for me to be safe before he left.

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

before

Example Sentences

Related Words