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

Had you written to me before you acquiesced, I would have told you to pay it, but beware of this behavior going forward.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 11, 2026

But the film glances at her neutrally, the way a child would before they learn how outsiders see their block.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026

Just before the trailer finishes, a hilarious decree comes down from Mount Disney, splayed across the screen like law: “See it in InfinityVision!”

From Salon ● Sep. 11, 2026

Accidents like it had happened in New York City before.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

Aunt J tells me she’ll wait to make sure I’m in the right place before she drives off.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold

before

Example Sentences

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