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

Examples 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
Their last show took place in Athens just a week before Doss’ unexpected death of an aneurysm. Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2024 The former All-American running back was a Los Angeles native who starred at UCLA before appearing in 27 games for the Rams across three seasons. Dj Siddiqi, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 The couple, who met on season 7 of Bachelor in Paradise, got married in a courthouse wedding in Oct. 2022 before celebrating with a Charleston, South Carolina, ceremony with friends and family in Sept. 2023. Chiara Kim, People.com, 1 Dec. 2024 Newsletter subscribers will get my column before anyone else does and their questions will be prioritized for future editions. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for before 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • Having that personality turned into a place, a space to touch books, to discover stories, is critical to communities being able to see themselves more clearly.
    American Booksellers Association, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Jackson police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024
Preposition
  • Canada Goose Grandview Cropped Jacket This jacket is a nice combination of stylish and comfortable thanks to its short silhouette and the brand’s Arctic Tech fabric, which means the layer-friendly piece protects you against cool, windy conditions.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024
  • The Buffalo Bills just came up short against the Los Angeles Rams in what turned out to be the highest-scoring game of the season.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Adverb
  • Right now, the Jacksonville Jaguars hold a slight edge over both the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants, but there already are seven teams with nine or more losses.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, The Athletic, 2 Dec. 2024
  • Several major movies have, however, already taken flight at the 586,800 sq. ft. site in Hertfordshire, 15 miles outside central London.
    Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 2 Dec. 2024
Preposition
  • Take care to protect areas of significance and wildlife on your journey and be mindful of your surroundings at all times.
    William Mullane, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
  • Instructions Step 1 Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F.
    Farideh Sadeghin, Saveur, 29 Nov. 2024
Adverb
  • Kat Dunbar spotted the strange object early one night several weeks ago while driving home with her children, and she was stumped.
    Alyce McFadden, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The score was tied at 10 early in the second quarter before Arizona State scored the game’s next 35 points to turn it into a rout.
    The Athletic College Football, The Athletic, 8 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near before

Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

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