Definitions

before

[bih-fawr, -fohr] / bɪˈfɔr, -ˈfoʊr /

Part of Speech:

All (2) Adverb (1) Preposition (1)

Jump To:

earlier adv.
earlier than prep.

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.

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before

Bass called the permit request a “slap in the face,” and criticized the company for looking to rebuild before the cleanup had been completed.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026

"We didn't really have anyone around us who is experienced in investing, and we did not study investing seriously before buying the stock," Yi says.

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

“They denied me before they even received it.”

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 13, 2026

Affecting a tough-guy realism, Mr. Bockino is contemptuous of antigambling officials in the era before legalization and tolerant of the worst rogues.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026

I barely make it inside the stall before I throw up the entire contents of my stomach.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

before

Example Sentences

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Related Words