1
2
as in against
preceding in space
the children always insisted on running before their parents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of before
Arkansas Online, 8 Mar. 2026
Retirees born on or before the 10th of a month will receive this payment on Wednesday, March 11.
—Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 8 Mar. 2026
Rachel Simon, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
Payton’s seen this movie before.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for before
Preposition
An autopsy shows all three shots fired by Stevens hit Martinez, with bullets traveling through his left arm before entering his torso and piercing his heart, lungs, liver and other organs.
—Arkansas Online, 8 Mar. 2026
Retirees born on or before the 10th of a month will receive this payment on Wednesday, March 11.
—Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 8 Mar. 2026
Adverb
The Hollywood parody has one-liners and sight gags for days with every bit zanier and more elaborate than the one before.
—Rachel Simon, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
Payton’s seen this movie before.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
-
Comments are moderated for adherence to our Community Guidelines.—
Jeanne Phillips,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Christine has contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Travel + Leisure, Domino, and more.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Mar. 2026
Preposition
-
The intuitive Moon squares Saturn, pitting your 3rd House of Distractions against your 6th House of Pragmatism, urging specific words, meticulous timing, and sensible boundaries.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Palhinha has been moved from central midfield to defence, Conor Gallagher has operated out wide, Archie Gray has been shifted from right wing-back to left wing-back and Porro started as the right-sided centre-back against Palace.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Go ahead and speak up in a group setting, propose plans that excite you, or introduce yourself to someone fascinating.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Calamia, however, says there are still miles ahead until the sport is truly inclusive for trans and nonbinary runners.—
Deborah Vankin,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Current hazard assessments show tidal flooding in some California coastal cities has already increased by more than 550% since 2000.—
Marcos Magaña,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
When removing the 3% annual increase cities and counties were already allowed, the cap amounted to a 5% budget increase from growth.—
Mark Dee
March 6,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
Preposition
-
Some questions may be adapted into full columns, and transcripts of the chats remain available after each session concludes.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
-
The conflict has also claimed the lives of seven US soldiers and injured about 140 American troops.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
When the Big 12 Conference invited reporters to the T-Mobile Center earlier this week, the league showed off a bunch of fun looks for its new LED video floor.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Planting outside too early can slow the plants down.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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