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
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 24 May 2025 Gutierrez told jurors that Dominguez had dramatically dropped weight, spent long periods staring at the walls in his cell and had stopped showering or brushing his teeth, before being sent to a Davis hospital on a mental health hold. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 24 May 2025 Gere and Alejandra wed during a secret ceremony in April 2018 and welcomed Alexander in February 2019, before adding James to the family in April 2020. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 24 May 2025 After a preliminary investigation, authorities determined the father fatally stabbed his sons and wife before killing himself. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • Over the years, Panahi has confronted attempts to restrict his work through various clandestine methods that may be instructive to Americans in the present climate.
    Eric Kohn, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025
  • The Athletic asked past team captains about his path to history.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Preposition
  • Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets hits a double and drives in a run against the Colorado Rockies in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies during their game at Citi Field on May 30, 2025 in New York City.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • Below that, a timeline for vaccinating children against COVID appears.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 31 May 2025
Adverb
  • While Trump did not build a physical library or a museum after his first term, a future library has money already committed toward it and a luxury jet waiting in the wings.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • The retro futuristic games have been given TV series treatment, which Amazon has already renewed for two additional seasons.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 26 May 2025
Preposition
  • What is the relationship of meat temperatures to overarching belief?
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 3 June 2025
  • And with that, a round of cheers, santés, and kanpais erupted around the table.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 2 June 2025
Adverb
  • But in his dotage, the transition may have come early as younger, more progressive staffers tied to Democrats who likely could not have won the 2020 presidential election operated with limited supervision.
    W. James Antle III, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2025
  • During a heat wave, the American Kennel Club said, walk your dog early in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and pavement is less likely to burn their paws.
    Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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