before

[bih-fawr, -fohr] / bɪˈfɔr, -ˈfoʊr /

Part of Speech:

All (2) Adverb (1) Preposition (1)

Jump To:

earlier adv.
earlier than prep.

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.

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before

Researchers then photographed both sides of the animal's head against a specially designed grid board before quickly releasing the shark.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 4, 2026

But the disease can be treated before symptoms develop.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 4, 2026

There have been calls for a public inquiry into media coverage of Arday before his death.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026

It added that an unspecified number of individuals aboard the boat had been "safely transferred" to authorities in Ecuador before the sinking, which came a day after a separate US strike.

From Barron's ● Sep. 4, 2026

“The animals should rest a full day before trying to cross the river,” argues Caesar.

From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

before

Example Sentences

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