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.

One of the few subtle references to President Trump came when McCartney relayed a story how the Beatles, before their Sullivan appearance, got their faces covered with bright orange makeup.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Despite experiencing periods of painful distance, Verhoeven reconciled with his father before his death.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Some post images of their homes on social media, taken before and after their destruction.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Don’t feel that you have to have reached a certain proficiency before you start reaching out to others.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

And there was no way he would have missed that sign before.

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

before

Example Sentences

Related Words