Synonyms of before

before 1 of 2

preposition

1

as in to

earlier than

since I'm a faster runner, I got there before him

Synonyms & Similar Words

• to
• until
• till
• of
• prior to
• previous to
• ere
• in advance of
• 'fore
• ahead of
• afore
• fore
• up to

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• after
• following
• since
• next
• next to

2

as in against

preceding in space

the children always insisted on running before their parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

• against
• in front of
• ahead of
• 'fore
• afore
• in advance of
• fore

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• after
• following

before

2 of 2

adverb

bi-ˈfȯr 

as in earlier

so as to precede something in order of time

their arrival was completely expected because a messenger had gone before

Synonyms & Similar Words

• earlier
• ahead
• already
• early
• previously
• beforehand
• now
• afore
• shortly
• preliminarily
• soon
• first
• anteriorly
• in advance
• formerly
• antecedently
• prematurely
• before long
• first off
• a priori
• presently
• erelong

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• later
• afterwards
• afterward
• after
• subsequently
• next
• behind
• by and by

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of before

Preposition

The film, which lands in theaters June 27 before a streaming release on Apple TV+, is a deft addition to a sturdy lineage of motorsport flicks, from Rush and Gran Turismo to Ford v Ferrari and, most recently, Ferrari. —Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2025

Following April’s torpedo bat mania—which spawned a real sales surge for manufacturers despite the items debuting in MLB before 2025—fans are once again debating the game’s equipment rather than its players. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 17 June 2025

Paul was granted immunity for his testimony, and the prosecution is expected to wrap before the end of the week. —Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025

When interviewed by police, Jones denied involvement, but later admitted to shooting at Adams twice before recanting his statement, according to the affidavit. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025

Phrases Containing before

• before long