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.

But fishing quotas in the Atlantic and conflicts around the world have pushed the price of cod higher than ever before, meaning chippies are having to diversify.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

"If someone joined in the 1920s or early 1930s, before Hitler came to power, it tends to indicate a conviction, that they really wanted to actively fight for the cause," said Spohr.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

This was the last business day before its statement regarding media reports about a potential takeover.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

And who could forget the iconic image before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with both footballers playing chess against each other on a Louis Vuitton suitcase, to launch the designer's latest campaign.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Our land rush is over before it’s begun.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

before

Example Sentences

Related Words