beforehand

adverb or adjective

be·​fore·​hand bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand How to pronounce beforehand (audio)
bē-
Synonyms of beforehandnext
1
a
: in anticipation
b
: in advance
2
: ahead of time : early

Synonyms of beforehand

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of beforehand in a Sentence

if you arrive beforehand, we won't be entirely prepared yet if you get ready beforehand, you won't have to rush at the last minute
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
However, understanding these factors beforehand ensures a smoother, more fruitful growing journey. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026 Canales had prepped the crowd beforehand that this was going to happen, so Asher’s appearance drew the biggest cheer of the evening. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026 Approaching the discussion with genuine curiosity creates space for information, concerns and assumptions to surface that may not have been visible beforehand. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 The most relevant football storyline of the season stepped to the same microphone 15 minutes beforehand. — Sam McDowell 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for beforehand

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of beforehand was in the 13th century

Rhymes for beforehand

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Browse Nearby Words

before bed
beforehand
before long
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Beforehand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beforehand. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

beforehand

adverb
be·​fore·​hand -ˌhand How to pronounce beforehand (audio)
: ahead of time : in advance

More from Merriam-Webster on beforehand

Nglish: Translation of beforehand for Spanish Speakers

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