before 1 of 2

Definition of beforenext
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

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
How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026 This was the last expedition before their years of work to map the volcano's interior is published. Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
As Blacc hinted at, there is more than a little anger to go around about what happened before, during and since the fires, along with the sorrow and thousand other emotions. Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026 Chicago has seen this story before. Parin Moradiya, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • Johnson said that the animal caused extensive damage to his home, costing tens of thousands of dollars.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The Joshua School does not have access to the bus video or activities that occur on the bus.
    Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Preposition
  • Since that time, Pratt has dedicated himself to railing against Bass, the Los Angeles City Council, and California Governor Gavin Newsom for their responses to the fires.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The Chargers’ schedule includes games against the AFC East and the NFC West, including the Rams.
    Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Weekend in the 50s ahead Over Oklahoma City, the weather is predicted to hit 55 degrees at its highest on Saturday, and has the makings of a windy day overall with average winds at 10 mph and gusts up to 23 mph.
    Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Good briefly put the vehicle in reverse, then shifted into drive and hit the gas, with the wheels seemingly turned to the right instead of directly ahead toward Ross.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • By the time police arrived, the four suspects — black females between the ages of 18 and 23 — had already gone, but they were each caught on store surveillance cameras.
    Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Jessica Ranucci, a lawyer in the New York Attorney General’s office, said in the Friday hearing, which was conducted by telephone, that at least four of the states had already had money delayed after requesting it.
    Geoff Mulvihill, Twin Cities, 10 Jan. 2026
Preposition
  • Australian Shearling Clog Slipper Similar to the Ugg’s popular design, these shoes have more coverage around your heel than a standard slip-on style, providing an extra few inches of cushion and protection around your feet.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The move means the UAE has removed British universities from a list of higher education institutions eligible for state scholarships amid growing tensions over London's decision not to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, The Financial Times reported.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • In danger of being blown out early, the Panthers actually took the lead — twice — in an extraordinary fourth quarter that kept viewers glued to their TVs around the country.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
  • The Panthers fell behind 14-0 early, but stormed back to take a 24-20 lead on Hubbard's second touchdown of the run game early in the fourth quarter.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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