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.

Five cuts brought rates down to 4%, before the Bank held rates at its meetings in September and November 2025, before the December cut and further holds in January, March and April 2026.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

He also said he was not overly concerned about Indonesia's narrowing trade surplus, which tanked to $89 million in April from $3.3 billion the month before.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Just state a date by which everyone needs to pay them back, preferably before the groceries are unpacked.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

The Spurs lost all contact with the rollicking team they had been just an hour before.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Infections by "staph" and "strep" were a leading cause of death before the discovery of antibiotic medicines.

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman

before

Example Sentences

Related Words