Synonyms of before

before 1 of 2

preposition

1

as in to

earlier than

since I'm a faster runner, I got there before him

Synonyms & Similar Words

• to
• until
• till
• of
• prior to
• previous to
• in advance of
• ahead of
• ere
• fore
• afore
• up to

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• after
• following
• since
• next
• next to

2

as in against

preceding in space

the children always insisted on running before their parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

• against
• in front of
• ahead of
• in advance of
• afore
• fore

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• after
• following

before

2 of 2

adverb

bi-ˈfȯr 

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

• earlier
• ahead
• already
• early
• previously
• beforehand
• now
• afore
• shortly
• preliminarily
• soon
• first
• anteriorly
• in advance
• formerly
• antecedently
• prematurely
• before long
• first off
• a priori
• presently
• erelong

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• later
• afterward
• after
• subsequently
• next
• behind
• by and by

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of before

Preposition

In September, 2024, moments before the news of the trade that sent Towns to New York, in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and a first-round draft pick, Towns posted a tweet with three periods—an ellipsis. —Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 May 2026

Language development, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and relationship-building all begin before age three. —Tina Dello Russo, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026

Adverb

Nothing has ever been wrong with me before. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026

The prosecution argued that Bryant had encountered Morales before and likely followed her from the Sterling Glen Apartments, then either lured her with his badge or forced her into his truck before killing her and leaving her body in the woods. —Mason Leath, ABC News, 8 May 2026

Phrases Containing before

• before long