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.

Fitch now expects the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England will hold rates this year before resuming cuts in 2027.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Defence Secretary John Healey said earlier this week that the prime minister is "determined to publish" it before a Nato summit on 7 July.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Heron founder Drew Baglino was a top executive at Tesla before starting the company.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

In the 2022 mayoral primary, real estate developer Rick Caruso led the pack for about a week before Bass pulled ahead.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Finally, just before dawn, when the sky is still dark, someone calls for the prisoners to make their way to the main building.

From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly

before

Example Sentences

Related Words