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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of before

Preposition

Thanks to a regulatory change that took effect just three days before President Trump's inauguration, more workers could soon be joining Serrano in seeking to turn temporary employment into something permanent. —Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 12 May 2025

Try to be at the park about 30 minutes before the official opening time. —Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 12 May 2025

The 12 jurors spent a little more than five hours deliberating over two days before delivering their unanimous verdict. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025

Trust that your journey is guiding you toward greater fulfillment, and embrace the changes that are unfolding right before your eyes. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025

Phrases Containing before

• before long