1
as in early
before the usual or expected time
if you arrive beforehand, we won't be entirely prepared yet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 beforehand
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships typically aren't required to file annual reports, but always double-check your state's compliance guidelines beforehand.
—
Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
In the days beforehand, Tupac talked nonstop about overwhelming Jackson with his lips and tongue.
—Jeff Pearlman, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
Churchill, who was prime minister of the United Kingdom twice, most famously from 1940-1944 during World War II, was also a senior Member of Parliament and close to members of the royal family for years beforehand.
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
About an hour beforehand, the FBI canceled that event, saying in an email that authorities had nothing more to add than what was in the federal criminal complaint.
—Idaho Statesman, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beforehand
Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025
In the days beforehand, Tupac talked nonstop about overwhelming Jackson with his lips and tongue.
—Jeff Pearlman, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025
Churchill, who was prime minister of the United Kingdom twice, most famously from 1940-1944 during World War II, was also a senior Member of Parliament and close to members of the royal family for years beforehand.
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
About an hour beforehand, the FBI canceled that event, saying in an email that authorities had nothing more to add than what was in the federal criminal complaint.
—Idaho Statesman, 20 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beforehand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for beforehand
Adverb
-
Those who have a personal my Social Security account may be able to view their COLA notice earlier online.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Officials at the college of roughly 2,800 undergraduates initially notified students on Sunday about Smith, whose disappearance was reported to Middlebury police earlier that afternoon.—
Joshua Rhett Miller,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
The magnitude of the attack and the extent of its damage was not immediately known.—
Laura Sharman,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
-
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso became their midfield pairing, as Xavi pushed ahead.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Daylight saving time is the period between March and November when Americans set their clocks ahead by one hour.—
Cailey Gleeson,
jsonline.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
The league has dealt with gambling scandals before.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Villa had known Elliott was available in the months before, yet the price caused hesitation.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
But if the thought of freezing cold isolation and bunk pods sounds more like punishment than adventure, Mongolia’s Gobi already offers glimpses of the otherworldly in a far more comfortable setting.—
Rosanna Philpott,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
-
From the ongoing government shutdown to a national redistricting fight dropped on Indiana's proverbial doorstep and a 2026 statewide race already heating up, it's been anything but.—
Hayleigh Colombo,
IndyStar,
24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Beforehand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beforehand. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share