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
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025 Herbert threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 35 yards, including a 19-yard, game-sealing scramble just before the two-minute warning. Jesse Newell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Adverb
The day before, her flight from Chicago to New York was canceled twice. Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 4 Sep. 2025 The lawsuit points to an 1986 Ohio Supreme Court ruling that says the public has a right to access any court record before, during or for a time after a criminal case is concluded. Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • While it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the business remains operational, the E-2 visa does not provide a direct path to permanent residency.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Even though Josh and Arteta have a good relationship, stemming back to when Arteta played for the club, Lewis is the conduit between the club and ownership.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Allen has consistently denied the allegations against him and has never been charged with a crime (though a Connecticut prosecutor said there was probable cause for a criminal case).
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • His mother Christine Maron had gotten a temporary restraining order against her estranged husband in May, forbidding him from having contact with her or their children.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • The hearing centered on how America can stay ahead in the new space race, with lawmakers pressing the importance of Artemis and reaffirming the need for the Gateway space station and to maintain continuous operations in low Earth orbit (LEO).
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Chili’s parent Brinker International has a lengthy growth runway ahead, according to Evercore ISI.
    Pia Singh, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • The defending world champions had already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, but Thursday was a celebration of Messi’s sterling international career.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Armani, who had already introduced unstructured jackets for men and women, was part of the generation of designers who ushered in a less formal fashion era, one that would allow men and women to look refined without looking stuffy.
    Belinda Luscombe, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Preposition
  • Subtle bits of faux wheat give it additional texture, and there’s an attached loop in the back for easy hanging.
    Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Afghan, who asked to remain anonymous, has lived for months at a time without leaving his home, fearful of retribution, and torture, from the Taliban.
    Chris Boccia, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Colleyville Heritage defeated Richland 30-21 in a game halted early in the third quarter after a second lightning delay Friday at Mustang-Panther Stadium.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The transfer window closed earlier this week.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

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