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

Judge Kimberly Gallant said he must be fitted with an ankle monitor before his release and will then spend his time in home confinement. — Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 2 Sep. 2026

The jury deliberates for just under 7 hours before leaving for the weekend. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Adverb

But what is going on before, after and in between those appointments? — Mick Safron, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

My usual deodorant has stopped working, and my sweat suddenly smells different or much stronger than before. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 1 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing before

• before long