Synonyms of beforehand

beforehand

adverb

bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand 

1

as in early

before the usual or expected time

if you arrive beforehand, we won't be entirely prepared yet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• early
• immediately
• prematurely
• promptly
• instantly
• inopportunely
• unseasonably
• precociously
• presently
• punctually
• seasonably
• pronto
• apropos
• betimes

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• late
• belatedly
• tardily

2

as in earlier

so as to precede something in order of time

if you get ready beforehand, you won't have to rush at the last minute

Synonyms & Similar Words

• earlier
• ahead
• before
• already
• early
• previously
• afore
• shortly
• preliminarily
• in advance
• anteriorly
• now
• antecedently
• soon
• formerly
• first
• 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 beforehand

He was briefed on the operation beforehand, shared a common vocabulary with one of the co-conspirators, Solages, and received details in the aftermath. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

The agents had passed notes to one another for months beforehand. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

Medicine and Small Valuables An open house means welcoming strangers into your home, so anything valuable, sensitive, or easy to pocket should be stowed away beforehand. — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

The university’s police chief sent a text message asking Turning Point’s security supervisor to meet at the event location a few hours beforehand, but no meeting ever happened, the report said. — ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026

Although the city has experimented with programs that send specialists to help deescalate such encounters, LAPD policy still requires armed patrol officers to clear a scene of any potential threats beforehand. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Had there been any adaptation interest, or stops and starts, beforehand? — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026

Drivers should fill up beforehand, download maps, and check weather and road conditions before leaving. — Joe Ruch, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Instead of approving every action beforehand, the leader can review outcomes, identify patterns and intervene where necessary. — Sariki Abungwo, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026