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.

James Lankford, of Oklahoma, quickly confirmed that he hasn’t gotten a pair from the president before scampering up a set of stairs labeled “Senators Only.”

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

"Depends how you live this kind of thing. I never put pressure on myself," said Cobolli, who was a promising footballer in Roma's academy before focusing on tennis.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

It suggests tapping your retirement fund before age 73 to help bring down your balances, along with your RMDs.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

Its leader, Sean Duffy, is on the younger and less experienced end of Trump’s Cabinet; before serving in Congress, Duffy was a cast member on The Real World: Boston.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

I’m thinking now might be a good time to shut up before I say something ignorant without meaning to.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

before

Example Sentences

Related Words