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.

Maybe baseball stopped being a game when her husband signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Dodgers before the 2025 season, elevating expectations.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

I fully re-landscaped the backyard; purchased new patio furniture; planted trees that have grown nicely and provide shade that wasn’t there before.

From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026

It has only been seen twice before and there is no approved vaccine.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

But before you hand your savings to an algorithm, you should consider what kinds of choices you should trust AI to help you make.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

He groans before motioning for the tray back through the window.

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

before

Example Sentences

Related Words