before 1 of 2

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

before

2 of 2

adverb

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
Regardless, there’s only so much time to relitigate this before disaster strikes. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 July 2026 The city said replacement parts have been ordered and officials hope to reopen the pool before the end of July. Hannah Kliger, CBS News, 2 July 2026
Adverb
Americans are popping more supplements – and fewer multivitamins – than ever before, a new study found. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026 There was even an outfit called the People’s Bicentennial Commission that tried to put a left-wing spin on the events of two hundred years before. Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • Under the bill, the 11-member state Board of Education would expand to 13, allowing for the Senate president pro tem and the Assembly speaker to appoint two more members.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
  • If stress builds, schedule a short stretch break and set softer deadlines where possible, because kindness to your body supports reliable output.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
Preposition
  • Rodriguez's two-run double opened the scoring in a five-run fourth inning against Bryan Woo (6-6) as the Pirates went ahead 5-1.
    CBS News, CBS News, 25 June 2026
  • The band had been denied the opportunity to perform during Haiti’s pre-World Cup friendly against Peru, despite the presence of a Peruvian band.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Adverb
  • Instead of waiting until your breaking point to book a trip, start a travel fund and plan ahead.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Turkey’s Arda Guler, who plays for Real Madrid, scored the equalizer at the 10-minute mark and Orkun Kokcu put Turkey ahead 2-1 in the 31st minute, finishing a cross from the left.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
Preposition
  • Her exit may spur questions about CNN’s next steps as Paramount moves to finalize its acquisition of its corporate parent.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 1 July 2026
  • Those groups also have lower access to drugs that can stop the transmission of HIV.
    Tamar Hallerman, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
Adverb
  • In an interview, McOsker said there is already space set aside for trucks to wait to access the port.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • Despite some large gaps heading into Friday, legislative Democrats and the governor had already closed several other ones.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026
Adverb
  • After initially selling its stock at $135 apiece in its ballyhooed initial public offering earlier this month, SpaceX’s price briefly soared above $225 within its first few days of trading.
    Stan Choe, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026
  • For China’s grueling annual college entrance exam earlier this month – which more than 10 million hopefuls take each year – authorities required screening of all glasses.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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