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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.

Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Tokyo has doubled down on government support for semiconductor technology, an industry Japan used to lead before being superseded by rivals such as Taiwan and South Korea.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

That GOP primary is on June 16, three days before the Remnant Rising event at Lahmeyer’s church.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Slade then poached a loose pass from Munster's Alex Nankivell before racing through under the posts, and Rigg repeated the trick after visiting full-back Ben O'Connor virtually handed him the ball.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

"This formation pathway has only been seen once before."

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

Trey ran a finger down my cheek before tilting my chin up and pressing his lips softly to mine.

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

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