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.

“I had never heard of Jeffrey Epstein before this point,” he told The Wall Street Journal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Barry Donald died last October, just a week before the couple's 34th wedding anniversary.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

I try to go for a run or do some exercise, with some good tunes on, a few hours before a game to build that natural buzz.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

He plans to rest a few days before building back up.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Joey is only sixteen, but she’s pleased with the life that stretches before her—a road that many women have traveled before.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

before

Example Sentences

Related Words