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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.

The court case was also adjourned six times before Bishop eventually appeared to enter his pleas.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

While commercial traffic is still a fraction of what it was before the war, the flow of vessels is an improvement through a critical chokepoint.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

It was only a matter of time before the outperformance would wane.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Vrabel was a three-time Super Bowl champion as a Patriots linebacker and was head coach of the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023 before returning to New England as head coach last season.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Some of the résumés look promising, so it shouldn’t be long before Dad hires someone, which will free me up to get back to my regular things, including finishing his boat.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam