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
While the average cost of ransomware recovery in 2024 stood at $2.73 million (even before factoring in ransom payments), a sum that might be manageable for a Fortune 500 company could force a small town into financial crisis. Dara Warn, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 Peters left the firm in November 2010, shortly before filming on the Lifetime reality series started, to take a job with better benefits, Diablo magazine reported. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 23 July 2025 Winker will be given anti-inflammatory medication for the next 4-7 days before being reevaluated. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 12 July 2025 Who on earth was shopping for Halloween before the Fourth of July? Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • In addition to the FIPRESCI prize, Dillane also won a Best Performance award out of Un Certain Regard.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 July 2025
  • And this all ties to plans for the British Royal Family to welcome US President Donald Trump in September.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 15 July 2025
Preposition
  • Tszyu’s next defense was his bloody bout against Fundora.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Charges have yet to be filed against the 25-year-old man arrested in the abduction.
    David Clarey, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025
Adverb
  • Amid the ongoing tariff situation, which GM already anticipates will cost the company up to $5 billion this year, fluctuations in the supply chain and manufacturing strategies may further impede decisions surrounding how to approach warranty issues, Windau said.
    Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
  • The aftermath By Saturday’s end, volunteer efforts were already underway — organization and individual-led alike.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
Preposition
  • Officials have not specified what type of off-road vehicle was involved in the incident.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
  • The most recent example of this inconceivably opaque situation involves the wad being spent on TV ads promoting candidates for mayor of Detroit.
    M.L. Elrick, Freep.com, 21 July 2025
Adverb
  • Glaser was also nominated earlier this year by the Costume Designers Guild.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 July 2025
  • In the Austin metro area, where inventory was up by 69.7 percent compared to a year earlier, the median list price of a home in June was $524,950, down 4.5 percent from a year earlier.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on before

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!