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.

Roberts speculated that it likely happened when Ohtani took off to steal second in the fourth inning, before a foul ball sent him back.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

IPO until SpaceX, opened for trading a little before noon in its 2014 offering.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

But now, days before he heads to the G7 summit of world leaders in the south of France, he faces a fresh setback.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

Congress has about two months before its August recess, when lawmakers’ focus turns to campaigning in the November midterm elections.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

He lives only a few miles away, before you are officially on the north side.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

before

Example Sentences

Related Words