before 1 of 2

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

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
Latson competed in her first Sweet 16, having played her previous three collegiate seasons at Florida State before her transfer to South Carolina. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 29 Mar. 2026 The Jazz had 10 assists and 10 turnovers before halftime. ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Adverb
What about [May’s] chords before? Jem Aswad, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026 If flying internationally, it is recommended to arrive three hours before. Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • To reply to other posts, simply include ‘re:’ or ‘to’ the topic in the subject line of your post.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Such teams are deployed across the country as part of a constantly evolving effort to counter the low-cost loitering munitions that have become a deadly weapon of modern warfare, from Ukraine to the Middle East.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • This led to her arrest on March 20 on separate charges that were also filed against her husband.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Hezbollah entered the war on March 2 with a barrage of missiles against Israel, breaking the fragile November 2024 ceasefire.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Sage Tate hit another 3 to cap a 9-0 run and put Iowa ahead 71-65.
    Kristie Rieken, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The Aztecc surged ahead 65-63 by end the end of the third quarter.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • This time, however, travelers are already facing long lines and delays due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, which has left thousands of TSA workers without pay.
    De'Anthony Taylor, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Outside, my father was already chipping ice from the windshield of our rusted station wagon.
    Zayd Ayers Dohrn, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2026
Preposition
  • Some questions may be adapted into full columns, and transcripts of the chats remain available after each session concludes.
    Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Interestingly, the wristband could accurately predict a wide array of hand positions, from 26 letters of complex American Sign Language signs to the subtle grips required for holding scissors, a tennis ball, or a pencil.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Number 17 in the current THSB Private Large Schools rankings, Grace Prep could be moving up in that poll next week after a 4-3 victory over No 4 Fort Worth Christian earlier this week.
    Mike Waters, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Unable to secure a Miami venue in time to meet the MLS deadline, the Beckham-Mas group invested upwards of $100 million to build a stadium and training facility in Broward County, on the grounds of the former Lockhart Stadium, the very same place Horowitz resorted to three decades earlier.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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