Definitions

before

[bih-fawr, -fohr] / bɪˈfɔr, -ˈfoʊr /

ADVERB

earlier

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ahead back previously since sooner

WEAK

afore aforetime ante antecedently anteriorly before present ere fore former formerly forward heretofore in advance in days of yore in front in the old days in the past past precendently previous up to now

Antonyms

WEAK

after afterward behind later

PREPOSITION

earlier than

Synonyms

STRONGEST

since

WEAK

ahead of ante antecedent to anterior to ere in advance of in front of preceding previous to prior to

Antonyms

WEAK

after afterward behind later

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Before more recent warmup games, the Iran team stood with their right hands across their chests during the anthem.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Before the crash, the 787 had never had a hull loss; its hull loss rate is below 0.2 per million departures, better than the A350.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Before kick-off, Iranian players presented white roses to their American counterparts as a gesture of peace, in a moment widely seen as transcending politics.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Before chemotherapy, Ryan froze his sperm and signed paperwork allowing Laura to use it if he died.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Before Maggie can answer, Bernadette clears her throat.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

before

Example Sentences

Related Words