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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.

It's impossible to be definitive, because there was only one lap after Russell stopped before the safety car was called.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Sanchez has always denied any illegal funding of his party and rebuffed calls for polls before the next scheduled general election, due in 2027.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Tony arrives two hours before kick-off to buy a programme before they sell out, chats to fans and volunteers then notes down the line-ups and goalscorers for his scrapbook.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Previous genetic studies and fossil traces suggested that many animal lineages existed before the Cambrian explosion.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

“But I didn’t get a chance before her presentation, and afterward, I made a beeline for the marshmallow roast.”

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

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.