before 1 of 2

Definition of beforenext
1
as in to
earlier than since I'm a faster runner, I got there before him

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2
as in against
preceding in space the children always insisted on running before their parents

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

before

2 of 2

adverb

Example 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
Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication. Data Skrive, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026 Just as electric cars reshaped expectations before becoming mainstream, personal eVTOL aircraft are starting at the top and working their way down. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Adverb
There are 16 sports in all, including some never seen before, and 116 gold medals are waiting to be awarded. Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026 That's when the prosecution pulled up a surveillance photo of Stanko's truck at the Walmart the day before. Erika Stanish, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • The Seahawks used a first-round bye to rest, heal and prepare, and then routed the 49ers in a divisional-round game before beating the Rams, 31-27, to advance to the Super Bowl.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Blue Origin, the space exploration company founded by Jeff Bezos, also holds a multibillion NASA contract to develop a vehicle capable of ferrying astronauts from deep space to the lunar surface.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Preposition
  • Leading California Democrats railed against the cuts.
    Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Paris — Gisèle Pelicot emerged as a global feminist hero in 2024 by transforming her horrific, personal story into a public battle against rape culture.
    Saskya Vandoorne, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • That same year, Bass jumped in about eight months ahead.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
  • And ultimately in February, this is a big month coming ahead for us here and that’s right in front of us.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 5 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Her campaign had already scheduled a reelection fundraiser for next week — after the filing deadline for mayoral candidates.
    David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
  • In response to an inquiry about the family’s request, ICE told CNN that Arlith Martínez had already been deported from the United States three times and was awaiting deportation proceedings.
    Susana Erazo, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
Preposition
  • Microorganisms naturally require trace amounts of some rare earth elements, and researchers can adjust conditions so the microbes efficiently take them up.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The first public notice of it came shortly before noon Monday — more than eight hours after the deadly encounter — when the California Attorney General’s Office issued a press release announcing that the state’s Department of Justice was investigating the incident under Assembly Bill 1506.
    Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Darius Garland, acquired from Cleveland earlier in the week, remained out.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The plea followed a similar agreement reached months earlier by his brother, Ovidio Guzmán López, on trafficking and money-laundering charges.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

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