before 1 of 2

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

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 third woman, Tamara, is from the contingent of Soviet Jews who went to Israel first, before electing to migrate again. David Bezmozgis, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025 That film, which opened in 2023, scored $173 million overseas and $377 million globally over Easter weekend before ending its theatrical run with a mighty $1.3 billion. Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 6 Apr. 2025 Jury selection is set to begin before U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood at 9:30 a.m. Monday. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025 As was frequently done to non-whites before the civil rights laws of the 1960s. Erik Sherman, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • Amazon’s spring sale has everything from hiking boots to walking sneakers, like these Ecco Track shoes that are perfect for exploring trails.
    Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Jetstar did not say exactly how many passengers and crew were on the plane traveling from Bali to Melbourne.
    Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2025
Preposition
  • The Manhattan Federal Court case was brought by NBA legend Charles Oakley against the Madison Square Garden business empire over a dispute that ended with Oakley’s ejection from the Midtown arena during a 2017 Knicks game.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Rhodes further retorted with a crude remark about Cena's microphone skills versus his physical attributes, and cautioned him against exaggerating his positive impact on WWE upon his departure.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • But one flaw — a fatal flaw in October — has already crept into the good-time vibes.
    Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Without starters going more than five innings, the Mets have taxed their relievers already.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
Preposition
  • Fallout continues after President Donald Trump's unveiling of severe tariffs against virtually all U.S. trading partners.
    Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The rich layers, paradox and diversity here reflect so much of what Casablanca represents.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 4 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Boyle shared a full second trailer exclusively with the exhibitors, which significantly ratchets up the terror from a teaser shared earlier this year.
    Matt Donnelly, Variety, 1 Apr. 2025
  • And McCain, who just turned 21 in February, hinted at star upside early in his rookie season before his knee injury.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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