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

This time, with respected Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, the Seleção squeaked past Japan in the round of 32 before losing to Norway, a nation that had never reached the quarterfinals. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026

The Venezuela effort has received $300 million, including $115 million received before the earthquake. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

Adverb

Other natural fibers have been incorporated into race car bodywork before. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2026

There is great speculation the Dodgers will trade for Skubal before, or at the August 3 trade deadline. — Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Phrases Containing before

• before long