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.

“The ring ceremony was on national television, and can you imagine if they had to announce the rings weren’t ready? My career would have been over before it started.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

He moved to Fulham in 2023 and had three seasons with the Cottagers, before confirming his return to Molineux earlier this week.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

IPO until SpaceX, opened for trading a little before noon in its 2014 offering.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Roberts speculated that it likely happened when Ohtani took off to steal second in the fourth inning, before a foul ball sent him back.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

Quick, I lift it off the grill before it burns.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

before

Example Sentences

Related Words