BEFOREHAND Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

beforehand

adverb

bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand

Definition of beforehand

as in early

before the usual or expected time if you arrive beforehand, we won't be entirely prepared yet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in earlier

so as to precede something in order of time if you get ready beforehand, you won't have to rush at the last minute

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 beforehand Davis recommends drinking plenty of water that day and eating something light beforehand. — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 27 Aug. 2026 No heavy rainfall was recorded in the affected area beforehand. — Milad Haghani, Scientific American, 27 Aug. 2026 Gatik also uses simulation and synthetic data to develop and validate its autonomous driving software so that its trucks can make test runs without having to physically encounter every scenario on a public road beforehand. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 And for many visitors, getting there doesn’t require much advance paperwork either as travelers from over 160 countries and nationalities can enter without securing a visa beforehand. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026 The plea agreement angered families of the victims who said they weren’t notified beforehand or provided with any chance for input. — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026 And making that transition a couple of weeks beforehand to getting them back on that sleep schedule can really help. — Nicky Zizaza, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 This shelf-stable pantry staple is made from sweet cream solids and can be stirred right into the dish without dissolving it in liquid beforehand. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Aug. 2026 Doctors typically ask people to avoid caffeine and smoking beforehand because both raise the heart rate and blur the images. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beforehand

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

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

Adverb

But that bipartisan effort was immediately panned by conservative groups, and little else has emerged as a serious solution.

— Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026
Though freshman Jackson Cantwell likely could have stepped in immediately at left tackle, the junior Okunlola has the game experience (albeit mostly at guard) that should serve him well in taking on the opponent’s best edge rusher.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of immediately

Adverb

Some could be worse than before, while others may not show up at all.

— Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Kendrick only found out about the event a day before and was already prepping for the upcoming Jackson Street Block Party in honor of Gary native Michael Jackson’s birthday.

— Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of before

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

Browse Nearby Words

before

beforehand

before long

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of beforehand

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

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