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

The contest to represent the northwestern Ohio district anchored by Toledo was considered by the Cook Political Report to be a toss-up before the election prognosticator changed its rating to Leans Democrat a week before Election Day. — Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026

Still, polls trended in Hamilton's favor — Emerson's by a wider margin than before their visits. — Grace Hills, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

Adverb

Marathon day also was much hotter than the two weeks before, so runners were not as acclimated to the temperature, Farrell said. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2026

Unable to find time in his international schedule, Malkovich twice before turned down McDonagh. — ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026

Phrases Containing before

• before long