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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.

It took them three years of working multiple jobs before they had enough.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Feyi-Waboso was making his first appearance in a Chiefs shirt since the end of January, having injured his hamstring in an England training camp before the Six Nations.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

“You have to develop a great reputation and put in the 10,000 hours before you actually get good at this.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

Magic Johnson, the Dodgers’ co-owner and the foremost winner in Los Angeles sports history, threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Dodgers’ opener.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

“Sorry, Park, I tried,” I offer, before sitting next to him.

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

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.