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
Some broadcasts are also turning to higher camera angles to capture the full complexity of wide receiver and defensive back movement, both before and after the snap. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 5 Feb. 2025 President Donald Trump did not wait for an investigative report before weighing in. Andy Rose, CNN, 5 Feb. 2025 The Lightning started Tuesday one point out of a playoff spot before beating Ottawa 4-3 at Amalie Arena. Eduardo A. Encina, Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2025 Last summer, Wilson performed on the Fourth of July before the Royals-Rays game at Kauffman Stadium. Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for before 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • That same mandate could also reopen the door to millions of acres of federal land that became off limits to hunters during the Biden Administration.
    Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 31 Jan. 2025
  • Six women identified only by initials spoke to The Baltimore Banner about their allegations, which span Tucker's rookie season in 2012 through 2016.
    Doha Madani, NBC News, 31 Jan. 2025
Preposition
  • The Royals also intend not only to bounce third baseman Maikel Garcia around the infield, but also to play him in center field against left-handers.
    Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 1 Feb. 2025
  • The hoards of advertisers and folk who had zero affinity with movies except to rub up against film stars and Hollywood players came later.
    Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 31 Jan. 2025
Adverb
  • Other governments have already issued warnings about or placed restrictions on the use of DeepSeek, including South Korea and Italy.
    Rob Wile, NBC News, 7 Feb. 2025
  • That wasn’t an issue with the older pigs, however, since their mature teeth were already present.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 7 Feb. 2025
Preposition
  • The album, produced by Keys along with Adam Blackstone and Tom Kitt, was released in June and features the original stars of the Broadway production, Maleah Joi Moon and Kecia Lewis, both of whom won Tony Awards for their performances, as well as Shoshana Bean and Brandon Victor Dixon.
    Michael Paulson, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Many of the pharmaceutical companies report earnings this week.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025
Adverb
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, just sworn in earlier this week, said at a somber news conference at the airport early Thursday that his agency would provide all possible resources to the investigation.
    LOLITA C. BALDOR, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025
  • His recent Butterfly Effect tour had just kicked off earlier this month.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near before

Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.

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