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
The 58 pitches would be the most he’s thrown before starting again three days later. Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2025 Ongoing litigation In recent months, more than 400 Venezuelans with TPS have been arrested during ICE check-ins and traffic stops, even though the protections were supposed to be in place before Friday’s ruling. Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025
Adverb
The Neiman’s collaborator is retiring its 2040 net-zero goal, which was established in June 2021 after its 30 percent reduction was validated by the SBTi the year before. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 2 Oct. 2025 SoCal Edison did not shut the remaining eight off at any time before, during or after the Eaton fire was spreading in January, records indicate. Chiara Eisner, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • After Swift’s engagement to NFL player Travis Kelce went public in August, local establishments such as Pursuit Spirits and Ten20 Craft Brewery congratulated the famous couple with cheeky Instagram posts.
    Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Seven of those charged previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and prosecutors moved to dismiss their felony counts.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • European leaders, alarmed at the rise in airspace incursions and the security threat that drones pose, proposed building a drone wall to protect the region’s eastern flank against potential attacks and incursions.
    Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Mark Fleury, policy principal on emerging science and advocacy at the American Cancer Society, said his organization has consistently advocated for additional federal funding to advance the fight against cancer.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Keeping his foot on the gas also means pushing ahead with reforms.
    Monroe Trombly, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Celebrities have been breaking out their leather pants as of late, providing fresh outfit inspiration for the next few weeks of transitional dressing ahead.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • But it’s been so dry this late summer that half the leaves have already dropped brown.
    Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • This means that fans who haven't already placed their order won't be eligible for the free loaf anymore.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Preposition
  • Here's a list of the headline artists performing for ACL's first round of shows, as broken down by USA TODAY.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Rivian's electric trucks and SUVs are quick, powerful and include a suite of advanced standard features.
    Charles Singh, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Democrats want to overturn spending cuts Republicans approved earlier in the year for Medicaid, which provides health insurance for Americans living in or near poverty, and extend insurance subsidies created by the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • That big package that got final approval in July included dozens of changes, including the new Medicaid and Obamacare restrictions mentioned earlier.
    Todd Spangler, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on before

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!