1
2
as in against
preceding in space
the children always insisted on running before their parents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in earlier
so as to precede something in order of time
their arrival was completely expected because a messenger had gone before
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 before
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
2 July 2026
The city said replacement parts have been ordered and officials hope to reopen the pool before the end of July.
—
Hannah Kliger,
CBS News,
2 July 2026
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2026
There was even an outfit called the People’s Bicentennial Commission that tried to put a left-wing spin on the events of two hundred years before.
—
Ann Manov,
Harpers Magazine,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for before
Preposition
Regardless, there’s only so much time to relitigate this before disaster strikes.
—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
2 July 2026
The city said replacement parts have been ordered and officials hope to reopen the pool before the end of July.
—
Hannah Kliger,
CBS News,
2 July 2026
Adverb
Americans are popping more supplements – and fewer multivitamins – than ever before, a new study found.
—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
30 June 2026
There was even an outfit called the People’s Bicentennial Commission that tried to put a left-wing spin on the events of two hundred years before.
—
Ann Manov,
Harpers Magazine,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
-
Under the bill, the 11-member state Board of Education would expand to 13, allowing for the Senate president pro tem and the Assembly speaker to appoint two more members.
-
If stress builds, schedule a short stretch break and set softer deadlines where possible, because kindness to your body supports reliable output.
Preposition
-
In the last year, Actor’s Equity has filed at least seven labor complaints against Casa Bonita with the National Labor Relations Board for retaliation and refusal to bargain.
-
Kurtz will join teammate Shea Langeliers, who won his fan election to start at catcher for the American League with 65% of the vote in Phase 2 against Alejandro Kirk of the Blue Jays.
Adverb
-
Instead of waiting until your breaking point to book a trip, start a travel fund and plan ahead.
-
Turkey’s Arda Guler, who plays for Real Madrid, scored the equalizer at the 10-minute mark and Orkun Kokcu put Turkey ahead 2-1 in the 31st minute, finishing a cross from the left.
Preposition
-
Her exit may spur questions about CNN’s next steps as Paramount moves to finalize its acquisition of its corporate parent.
-
Those groups also have lower access to drugs that can stop the transmission of HIV.
Adverb
-
Whereas the federal incentive may have been enough to spark interest in a range of buyers, Moody said the lesser amount will probably appeal mainly to people who already have their eye on an EV.
-
Ahead of launching its first-ever foldable device, Apple has already secured components for about 80 million smartphones spread across new models for the second half of 2026, according to Nikkei Asia.
Adverb
-
In New York City, the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks started a little earlier than scheduled to beat incoming storms.
-
The Secret Service said earlier this evening that all attendees who evacuated the venue due to orders to shelter from approaching severe storms would have to go through security screenings again.
Cite this Entry
“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
