before 1 of 2

1
as in to
earlier than since I'm a faster runner, I got there before him

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in against
preceding in space the children always insisted on running before their parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

before

2 of 2

adverb

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of before
Preposition
While the average cost of ransomware recovery in 2024 stood at $2.73 million (even before factoring in ransom payments), a sum that might be manageable for a Fortune 500 company could force a small town into financial crisis. Dara Warn, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 Peters left the firm in November 2010, shortly before filming on the Lifetime reality series started, to take a job with better benefits, Diablo magazine reported. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 23 July 2025 Winker will be given anti-inflammatory medication for the next 4-7 days before being reevaluated. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025 Who on earth was shopping for Halloween before the Fourth of July? Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • Bipolar disorder also can co-exist with post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction, which adds another layer to treating people with the disorder.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Kentucky recently broadened its tax incentives for data centers, expanding eligibility to all 120 counties.
    Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025
Preposition
  • Grossberg, who is Jewish, and his attorneys have denied the allegations and have argued the complaints were motivated by discrimination against his faith and his support for a resolution condemning Hamas for its October 2023 attack against Israel.
    Lucas Aulbach, The Courier-Journal, 31 July 2025
  • Taken together, the charges represent a drop in the bucket when stacked against the city’s multi-billion-dollar budget.
    Ella McCarthy, Austin American Statesman, 31 July 2025
Adverb
  • The aftermath By Saturday’s end, volunteer efforts were already underway — organization and individual-led alike.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Amid the ongoing tariff situation, which GM already anticipates will cost the company up to $5 billion this year, fluctuations in the supply chain and manufacturing strategies may further impede decisions surrounding how to approach warranty issues, Windau said.
    Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
Preposition
  • On the final night of the convention, two of the stars who also happen to be incredibly talented musicians, treated fans to an intimate concert in a local venue on the square, Canopy + The Roots.
    Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Staff Author, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Adverb
  • Amount of historic tax credits received: $1.28 million Timeline: Construction could wrap as early as March 2026.
    Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
  • But a judge rejected their argument earlier this year, ruling the case against them could proceed.
    Tony Plohetski, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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