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 the war, he ran an art foundation in his native region of Transcarpathia in western Ukraine.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Before the game, there was a ceremony and Deschamps' name was sung on several occasions by the home support.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Before being laid off, she purchased a home in a ski-resort area, which we consider our second home.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

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 you tut your disapproval, it turned out it wasn’t a real date.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

before

Example Sentences

Related Words