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.

British number one Raducanu was dominant for most of the contest, winning the first eight games without reply before going on to complete a 6-0 6-3 victory over the Russian qualifier.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

So before adding a child as an authorized user, make sure you’re using the account responsibly yourself.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

There won’t be another—no matter how wrong we were before.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

And the team’s official World Cup photo features the players dressed as Nordic warriors, weapons in hand, posed before a scenic fjord with long boats in the background.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Arlo and my dad are pretty used to my knowing things before they happen.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

before

Example Sentences

Related Words