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
Most travelers opt to take a boat to the Sirena entrance of the park from nearby Puerto Jiménez, then hike for two days and one night to La Leona, before driving back to town. AFAR Media, 11 July 2025 And all of this occurs before considering golf’s competitive aspect or the ability to gamble during play. Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 Asked about the impact of the federal cuts on the flooding, Trump on Sunday seemed ready to blame the former president for the situation, before walking it back. Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 11 July 2025 The 30-year-old, who was born in a refugee camp in Syria before going on to graduate from Columbia, had played a prominent role negotiating on behalf of pro-Palestinian protesters at the university. Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • In addition to the FIPRESCI prize, Dillane also won a Best Performance award out of Un Certain Regard.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 July 2025
  • And this all ties to plans for the British Royal Family to welcome US President Donald Trump in September.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 15 July 2025
Preposition
  • Tszyu’s next defense was his bloody bout against Fundora.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • This year’s report, released Monday, says there have been some improvements in protecting children against certain diseases through routine vaccinations.
    Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
Adverb
  • The Trump administration initially promised to be transparent about the Epstein files in the government’s possession, but has faced criticism over the rollout, with Bondi releasing information in February that was already largely public.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • There was already water on the floor of Jane’s cabin, but the call is what prompted her to run in her pajamas to her son’s residence.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 12 July 2025
Preposition
  • Skokie’s July Fourth parade managed to dodge most of the rain drops, but not the gray sky as off-and-on rain dogged the northern suburbs Friday morning.
    Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
  • Montgomery added that Moncada does not need to go to Triple-A or any other higher minor league level to see a higher caliber of pitching.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 8 July 2025
Adverb
  • In the Austin metro area, where inventory was up by 69.7 percent compared to a year earlier, the median list price of a home in June was $524,950, down 4.5 percent from a year earlier.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • Glaser was also nominated earlier this year by the Costume Designers Guild.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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