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.

A previous commission candidate dropped out of the running after a disastrous hearing before the council.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

The commissioners demanded more transparency from developers about their operations and required them to comply with the county’s new development regulations before they would vote.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

The judge said Nowak asked Digwa if he was a "bad man", before Digwa took the phone.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

He usually leaves just before I get home from work at 9 p.m.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 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