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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.

The Osbournes first attempted to offload the seven-bedroom, 7.5-bathroom property in 2022, listing it for $18 million, then lowering that price to $17.5 million, before taking it off the market altogether.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

He told the court that Roberts-Smith was "on the cusp" of moving overseas before his arrest, and posed a flight risk if released.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

It was one of his last social media posts before Rivas’ body was discovered.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

It was there that they finally caught him, shooting him with a tranquilliser gun before whisking him back to the zoo.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

A squirrel raiding our bird feeder natters at me in irritation before it hops away to try its luck at the bird feeder two houses over.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam