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
• in advance of
• ahead of
• ere
• fore
• afore
• 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
• in advance of
• afore
• 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
• afterward
• after
• subsequently
• next
• behind
• by and by

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of before

Preposition

People with food allergies or sensitivities should check their pantry for the affected products before using them. — Julia Hawkins, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Miami is expected to sign at least one more player to an Exhibit 10 deal before the start of training camp. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026

Adverb

That same year, the number of millionaires who left the state fell, to 1,453 from nearly 2,000 the year before. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

Meeting with the school The next morning, the third-grader’s parents went to talk to Heather Royce, the administrator of the school, and told her what their daughter said had happened the day before. — Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing before

• before long