beforehand

adverb

bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand How to pronounce beforehand (audio)
Definition of beforehandnext
1
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
2
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 Bruce Moseley, an orthopedic surgeon at Baylor College of Medicine, told AARP that stretching beforehand is the single most effective defense. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 6 Aug. 2026 How to have guests over without going on a crazy cleaning spree beforehand. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026 Carver’s lawyer, now an Alameda County judge, argued in court that Safi’s friend was minimizing their own role in the violence, which included allegedly threatening Carver beforehand. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 However, understanding these factors beforehand ensures a smoother, more fruitful growing journey. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 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 This is thanks to the thermostatic mixing valve’s automatic temperature regulation that can be set beforehand. — Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2026 During a 2023 arraignment hearing, Reddington pointed out that Lindsay voluntarily committed herself to a psychiatric hospital just a few weeks beforehand and doctors were struggling to figure out the correct prescriptions. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beforehand
  1. early
  2. ahead
  3. immediately
  4. before
  5. 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
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
Adverb
  • Reading it immediately quells, or at least quelled my own, paranoia at being alone in the middle of the forest—nobody is getting got here, there’s a gate that only opens if the concierge approves of your face, voice, and name.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The relationship of the women, both 28, to the child was not immediately clear.
    — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of immediately
Adverb
  • That was a new record and only once before has the number of moves hit double figures.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Remember to wear certified eclipse glasses or use a handheld solar viewer to protect your vision any time the sun’s light is on display before, during or after the eclipse, and follow these safety tips to protect your vision.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of before
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

Browse Nearby Words

before
beforehand
before long
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Cite this Entry

“Beforehand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beforehand. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on beforehand

Nglish: Translation of beforehand for Spanish Speakers

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