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Showing results for before.
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.

In other words, if demand for Treasurys drops significantly, investors may ask for higher yields before buying more.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Just before this, Sasha’s father has been filming the family with a camcorder, a habit of his, but when the cops arrive he hands the camera to Sasha.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Private school enrollment dropped 6.6% compared with last year; it’s now a little less than before the pandemic.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

"I kept seeing this depth to the galaxy that I just had never experienced before."

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

He grins, showcasing his solo left dimple that I didn’t notice before, and slips into the pool beside me.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam