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.

Leading 11-2, Johnson retired the first batter in the top of the eighth inning before Nico Partida singled to right.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

The shirt, though, was almost abandoned before the World Cup, having first been worn at Euro 88, when the hosts lost in the semi-finals.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

“They’re all going to wait for the dust to settle before they do anything else that could be controversial or destabilizing.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

More than half a century before the #MeToo movement shook the global entertainment industry, Monroe denounced the Hollywood "wolves" preying on female talent.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

I suck on another travel sweet, this one guava flavor, and a memory sneaks up on me before I can stop it.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

before

Example Sentences

Related Words