before 1 of 2

Definition of beforenext
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
The Connecticut Business and Industry Association made its focus on small business needs known earlier in the year, releasing its policy agenda in the days before the start of the legislative session. P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2026 With two outs already recorded in the inning, Rodón surrendered a double to Carson Benge before issuing walks to Bo Bichette and Juan Soto. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 17 May 2026
Adverb
The chipmaker is trading near all-time highs, with its market cap drawing near $6 trillion — a level no company has ever reached before. Sarah Min, CNBC, 15 May 2026 Ars has written about these activities in geosynchronous orbit (GEO) before, but the last few months have seen a couple of interesting developments. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
  • The South Terrace, with bucolic and far-reaching views, is already the locus of socialising spilling down to the 25-meter pool.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • The margin grew to 17 before the Sparks closed the quarter with a 13-8 run.
    Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Preposition
  • Defense attorneys deny all the charges against him.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 21 May 2026
  • But Ohtani entered Wednesday with four doubles and 10 hits total in five games against the Angels and Padres.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 May 2026
Adverb
  • But the fairy godmother’s spell wore off early in Game 6, which was just 62 seconds old when Vegas went ahead to stay.
    Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
  • So what stands out most about the Chiefs’ road ahead?
    Jesse Newell, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Adverb
  • According to the source, Foxx (who is already a dad of two) was working on getting his career back in order after his medical issues, leading to his brief breakup from Huckstepp.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • Farmers like Maung Nu Sein were already grappling with low rice prices as well as soaring fuel and food costs due to the civil war and the military’s blockade of their coastal state.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 16 May 2026
Preposition
  • The affected unit, the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, had been scheduled to deploy to Poland and other eastern flank positions as part of a routine nine-month NATO rotation.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026
  • The island, now almost entirely owned by Oracle mogul Larry Ellison, has a rich fishing history and was once a massive pineapple plantation (Dole had its headquarters here) and served as one of the world's largest pineapple producers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026
Adverb
  • Fugaz moved to this location early last year—the former spot was, though somewhat unbelievable, even smaller.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Musk's reusable rocket company is expected to start a roadshow aimed at marketing the deal to investors early next month, according to people familiar with the matter.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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