before 1 of 2

preposition

Definition of beforenext
1
as in to
earlier than since I'm a faster runner, I got there before him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in against
preceding in space the children always insisted on running before their parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

before

2 of 2

adverb

bi-ˈfȯr How to pronounce before (audio)
as in earlier
so as to precede something in order of time their arrival was completely expected because a messenger had gone before

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of before
Preposition
The film from writer-director Elle Sofe Sara will get a theatrical release in early 2027 before launching on digital platforms later next year. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026 Perry even singled out the date of the show as a turning point because before that night, the tour delivered had its challenges. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
Adverb
Mateta has repaired his relationship with the Palace supporters before, but this seems like the point of no return. — Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Following Parton’s death, numerous celebrities took to social media to share tributes honoring Parton, many of whom include musicians and actors who had worked with Parton before. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
  1. to
  2. against
  3. ahead
  4. of
  5. already
  6. early
Preposition
  • The 63-year-old Davis was convicted Monday of murder with the use of a deadly weapon and could be sentenced to life in prison.
    — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Immediately, Osaka was drawn to the style legacy of basketball player Allen Iverson.
    — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of to
Preposition
  • The technology was also tested against deceptive behaviour, an in a different scenario, fishing boats appeared to retreat while vessels from another direction accelerated toward the coastguard ship.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The informant cut a deal with prosecutors to record Vaughn and testify against him in exchange for drug charges against him being dropped.
    — Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of against
Adverb
  • Nor did Governor Shin Hyun Song rule out another tap of the brakes in the months ahead.
    — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Crews may benefit from slightly cooler temperatures in the days ahead, Gass said, and wind conditions are expected to remain fairly calm in both areas.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of ahead
Preposition
  • Less than two weeks after the sudden death of her costar Hayden Panettiere, the Nashville actress posted an Instagram tribute to Dolly Parton following the country superstar’s death on Tuesday.
    — Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Redmond noted that the retailer is also bringing in some K-beauty as part of the new assortment, and is increasing its penetration in hair care too.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of of
Adverb
  • From the moment Billie learns about Sophie-Rose, the teenager who inherited her legendary fake ID after it was already passed down to multiple other Gen-Z blondes, she’s obsessed.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Announced just last week, fans are already in throes of excitement, with scores of late-night launch events lined up internationally.
    — Kyle MacNeill, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of already
Adverb
  • That projection is 79% higher than the bank’s estimate from a year earlier.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Tysie Gallagher, Terri Harper and Caroline Dubois beat Americans Brandi Robinson, Miranda Reyes and Amelia Moore, respectively, earlier in the night, while Reina Tellez defeated Jessica Barry for the United States’ only victory.
    — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of early

Phrases Containing before

Browse Nearby Words

befogs
before
beforehand
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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