BEFOREHAND Synonyms: 44 Similar and Opposite Words

beforehand

adverb

bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand

Definition of beforehand

as in early

before the usual or expected time if you arrive beforehand, we won't be entirely prepared yet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in earlier

so as to precede something in order of time if you get ready beforehand, you won't have to rush at the last minute

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 beforehand The location may look the same in both situations, even though what happened beforehand was completely different. — Emma Clapp, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026 The men talked about who would assault the woman beforehand, took photos and recorded the assault, which was also seen on a security system feed at the home in Sullivan's Island, an affluent suburb of Charleston, state agents said. — Meg Kinnard, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026 The men talked about who would assault the woman beforehand, took photos and recorded the assault, which was also seen on a security system feed at the home in Sullivan’s Island, an affluent suburb of Charleston, state agents said. — Meg Kinnard, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Without careful planning beforehand and appropriate management after death, the estate may never get the full value of these property interests. — Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 At the same time, Zaslav more than doubled the number of employees who held equity in WBD compared with the two companies separately beforehand. — Todd Spangler, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 His attorneys had warned in legal filings beforehand that his medical problems — including lung cancer, COPD, prostate cancer and pneumonia — could make for an exceptionally painful execution. — Keri Blakinger, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2026 That might mean that coverage is verified or the patient receives understandable information about the options beforehand. — Prashanthi Nuthi, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Spiritual readiness doesn’t mean having every answer beforehand. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for beforehand

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

Adverb

But the tireless churn of his storytelling, picking up and depositing little clues of what came before, is the mark of an auteur who has barely scratched the surface of his prowess.

— Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
In fact, researchers have never seen 99 percent of the viruses discovered there before.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of before

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

Browse Nearby Words

before

beforehand

before long

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Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of beforehand

adverb

Example Sentences

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