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 track heads down Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd Street to 9th Street NW, then doubles back to 7th Street, then goes south to Independence Avenue alongside the National Mall before looping back to 3rd Street. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 By chance, her parents and her sister had left the house just three days before the strike, because her mother couldn’t sleep. — Ava Bambuck, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Adverb
Kikuko had never before waited so eagerly for her father to return. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026 Not only were fans hoping for it, but the actor had already been asked once before — and turned the opportunity down. — Shelby Stivale, Entertainment Weekly, 4 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
  • Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige reacted to the sequel’s box-office success in a new interview with Variety.
    — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • From environmental factors to watering and fertilizing regimens, here are some of the most common reasons why crepe myrtles don’t flower and what to do about it.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of to
Preposition
  • Summit captain Janine Sonis scored the winning goal late in stoppage time and had an assist against the Royals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • After his rep against defensive end Odafe Oweh, Tunsil grabbed his left arm and crouched in obvious pain.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of against
Adverb
  • In IconArrows pointing outwards Berkshire still came out a little bit ahead, however, as the stock is now trading just under $184.
    — Alex Crippen, CNBC, 9 Aug. 2026
  • But large language models are not warning drivers about full shutdowns that just occurred 2 miles ahead.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of ahead
Preposition
  • The oldest of three children, Neil was born in a farmhouse just outside Wapakoneta, today a city of just under 10,000 people.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • As the mastermind behind the Hollywood hair of stars like Stone, Lily Collins, and Zoe Saldaña — and the founder of Rōz Hair — her styling fingerprints decorate awards show red carpets and Instagram feeds alike.
    — Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of of
Adverb
  • While Signature is already represented at both California airports, that may not mean much.
    — Doug Gollan, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In many ways, staffers say, the shooting was a manifestation of an attack the agency was already feeling.
    — Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of already
Adverb
  • Tunsil suffered the injury early in practice, during one-on-ones between offensive and defensive linemen.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Store them in dedicated shoe bags Getting dirt and grime from your shoes on your clean clothes won’t end your trip early.
    — Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 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 10 Aug. 2026.

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