before 1 of 2

preposition

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

bi-ˈfȯr How to pronounce before (audio)
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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 former weapon of mass destruction has been in hiding for some time, but a bounty hunter tracks him down and disrupts his quiet life before also discovering a young man who appears to be Vision’s son. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 That process took nearly a year, with the team developing the fit and hand alongside a denim specialist before selecting premium Candiani fabric from Italy and partnering with a manufacturer in Turkey. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Adverb
The Covelli Centre, where Trump had rallied before, was a bit more than half-full when the president got onstage. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026 The remains of over 50 people were discovered the day before at the funeral home in the 2900 block of East 95th Street. — Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
  1. to
  2. against
  3. ahead
  4. of
  5. already
  6. early
Preposition
  • That year, after Israeli officials castigated Qatar for allegedly financing Hamas, the Qataris began demanding formal documentation of an arrangement the two governments had agreed was meant to provide relief to citizens of the beleaguered enclave.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The alternate versions certainly add extra bite, and a few outtakes could have made it to the main tracklist.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of to
Preposition
  • The ban had been imposed by the central elections committee, a political body dominated by Netanyahu allies, on the basis that the parties supported armed struggle against Israel.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 Oct. 2026
  • But while critics on the Israeli right railed against the deal, Netanyahu’s deputies worked behind the scenes to preserve it, according to correspondence obtained by TIME.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of against
Adverb
  • But Mitchell forged ahead, achieving the vision that ballet is for everyone.
    — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Gomez's goal put Brighton 2-0 ahead against its biggest rival — and the team went 3-0 up three minutes later before running out a 5-0 winner.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of ahead
Preposition
  • Bags of mashed potatoes, beans and mac and cheese in the water of a steam holding unit, reheating.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Protesters heard from Terri Pickens, the Democratic candidate for Idaho governor, and Melanie Folwell, the executive director of the organization that put Prop 1 on the ballot.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of of
Adverb
  • Her party is already the largest opposition party in parliament, and a snap legislative election following the presidential vote could entrench it further.
    — Nicholas Bequelin, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Wider shipping disruptions While some operators remain willing to transit Hormuz, much of the global container shipping industry has already adjusted its networks to avoid the strait.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of already
Adverb
  • The latest demonstrations, held Saturday, encouraged Americans to vote early in the upcoming midterm elections.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Some began working for Union Pacific as early as the 1950s, in jobs that included track maintenance, signal maintenance, conducting and engineering.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of early

Phrases Containing before

Browse Nearby Words

befogs
before
beforehand
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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