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
Scared Straight Slotting Murphy into a Scared Straight revival alongside Kenan Thompson is just the kind of SNL fantasy-football these specials thrive on—even before throwing Ferrell into the mix. Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025 But the reason for the season dates back long before online shopping and BOGO deals. Avery Lotz, Axios, 17 Feb. 2025 For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the moon won't rise above the eastern horizon until shortly before midnight, still at the farther end of its orbit from Earth. Brett Tingley, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2025 More uncertainty ahead Trump’s Mideast team, led by envoy Steve Witkoff, played a key role in securing the current six-week ceasefire, even before taking office. Josef Federman, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for before 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • Additionally, even if an ingredient is present in small amounts in a product, cumulative exposure to it across multiple cosmetic products can pose a health risk.
    Noor Lobad, WWD, 11 Feb. 2025
  • If that’s the case, the festival could reassure filmmakers by limiting platform access to passholders.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025
Preposition
  • Globally, nearly 400 million have some form of vaccination against HPV, Merck said.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Relli, born Terell Ephron, has also filed a civil suit against the rapper, which Rocky’s defense team has cited as the driving motivation behind their client’s former friend’s claims.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • Health officials in Finland have already used some of their stockpiled vaccines for high-risk people.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Our generation is playing an important role in bridging that gap and continuing the work our elders have already done.
    Kyle Denis, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2025
Preposition
  • Many service providers interact with both the Division of Mental Health and the Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, and 17 have grants with both divisions, according to the order.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2025
  • During a 2020 episode of RHOBH, Rinna, 57, told costars Denise Richards, Sutton Stracke and Garcelle Beauvais how Hamlin had started dating Andress in his twenties.
    Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • Yes, but: A city attorney earlier this month told the council that Cantrell believes the city can't afford to pay the lawsuit settlement and wants to renegotiate, reports The Times-Picayune.
    Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The deal could be completed as early as this month, one of the person said.
    John Kang, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near before

Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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