afore 1 of 2

Definition of aforenext
chiefly dialect

afore

2 of 2

preposition

chiefly dialect
1
as in before
earlier than my father, his father, and even his father afore him farmed this land

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in against
preceding in space a majestic sailing ship going full speed afore the wind

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for afore
Preposition
  • The Magic took control of Saturday’s game at the start, ending the first quarter with a 41-27 lead and pulling ahead by as many as 22 points in the second quarter before entering halftime with a 16-point advantage.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The court rejected a challenge arguing the rule, which became law in May 2025, should not retroactively apply to descendants of Italians born before the new law's enaction.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Hanson, who spends much of his life crawling through underbrush to count trees, plunged ahead into stands of chest-high ceanothus, pointing out sequoias camouflaged in the pervasive post-fire brush.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • To make ahead, assemble the dish up to eight hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking.
    Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Ballard noted most of the evidence that will be discussed in April is already public, so most of the hearing should be open.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026
  • His administration has already promised to release the nation’s oil reserves to relieve pressure and has eased sanctions on Russian oil, to the consternation of European leaders.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Afore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/afore. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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