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
Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 5 June 2025 After Harris lost to Trump, many Democrats demanded to know how much those close to Biden knew about his health decline before the debate. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 Reed Garrett struggled with command and gave up an RBI double to Will Smith before getting an out. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 5 June 2025 Lopez was asked to testify before the grand jury but declined to do so. Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • My Happy Place Season 1 finale (CNN) MONDAY, JUNE 9 📺 Art Detectives (Acorn TV, two-episode premiere) Stephen Moyer plays a detective who solves murders connected to the world of art and antiques — from Old Master paintings, to Banksy street art, to medieval manuscripts and collectible vinyl.
    Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 30 May 2025
  • The network was among thousands of news organizations worldwide to have posted the video in recent days, ranging from the UK’s BBC and to France’s TF1 to the websites of newspapers such as The Guardian and The New York Times.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 May 2025
Preposition
  • Juan Soto #22 of the New York Mets hits a double and drives in a run against the Colorado Rockies in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies during their game at Citi Field on May 30, 2025 in New York City.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025
  • The data doesn't lie: vaccines work, including against COVID-19.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 31 May 2025
Adverb
  • Look, it’s already started, with criticism of his performance for the national team against Portugal on Wednesday.
    Philipp Lahm, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • The system must already know your preferences, values, limitations, and goals before executing anything on your behalf.
    Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
Preposition
  • What is the relationship of meat temperatures to overarching belief?
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 3 June 2025
  • And with that, a round of cheers, santés, and kanpais erupted around the table.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 2 June 2025
Adverb
  • Liu's findings were presented at a conference in Singapore earlier this month called ACC Asia 2025 Together.
    Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • In her testimony earlier this month, Fine also recalled the violent night.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 30 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

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