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.

"A lot of players have played so much tennis before they're even gone on tour," said Britain's Billie Jean King Cup captain Anne Keothavong.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026

The average External link price of gasoline has come down from its highs, but still sits at $3.86, well above where it was before the conflict began.

From Barron's • Jun. 29, 2026

“Routine maintenance helps catch those issues before they turn into more expensive repairs.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 29, 2026

Speaking to the court before the judge issued his sentence, Rinsch apologised and said he accepted responsibility for his crimes.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026

In the short run, Phineas will make a full recovery, or so it will seem to those who didn't know him before.

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman

before

Example Sentences

Related Words