before 1 of 2

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
Like the audience, McAfee also rooted for his guest, playfully throwing punches before further congratulating him. Angel Saunders, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025 Perhaps the most special moment — the moment that 23-year-old Nitin now recognizes as the key turning point — occurred that night, when Wizards players ran onto the court before the national anthem. Josh Robbins, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 Wait for 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back out. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Apr. 2025 Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • President Trump sent a letter to Khamenei last month urging negotiations, warning of possible military action if Iran refuses.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Netflix is adding another adaptation of classic literature to its series roster.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Preposition
  • Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 2%, Shanghai's Composite Index rose 0.6% and Shenzen's Component Index rose 1.2%, with investors buoyed by Beijing's announcement of stimulus measures to bolster the economy against the escalating American tariffs.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Rubio cited no specific evidence against Khalil, a 30-year-old legal permanent resident whose American citizen wife is in the late stages of pregnancy.
    Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • But one flaw — a fatal flaw in October — has already crept into the good-time vibes.
    Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Without starters going more than five innings, the Mets have taxed their relievers already.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
Preposition
  • The killing of officer Osmar Rodarte last month rattled the city and department, culminating in a celebration of life last Tuesday that drew many law enforcement and community members to the site of the service near Wheatland.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Idaho Statesman 208-377-6410 Nicole Blanchard is part of the Idaho Statesman’s investigative and watchdog reporting teams.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 15 Apr. 2025
Adverb
  • Trump, who, at 78, became the oldest president to be sworn into office, posted on Truth Social earlier in the week.
    Justin Gomez, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Myers' wife found him in the couple's Calhoun County shed, which had been the backdrop to their wedding 15 months earlier.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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