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
AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
And all of this occurs before considering golf’s competitive aspect or the ability to gamble during play.
—Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Asked about the impact of the federal cuts on the flooding, Trump on Sunday seemed ready to blame the former president for the situation, before walking it back.
—Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 11 July 2025
The 30-year-old, who was born in a refugee camp in Syria before going on to graduate from Columbia, had played a prominent role negotiating on behalf of pro-Palestinian protesters at the university.
—Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for before
Preposition
Most travelers opt to take a boat to the Sirena entrance of the park from nearby Puerto Jiménez, then hike for two days and one night to La Leona, before driving back to town.
—AFAR Media, 11 July 2025
And all of this occurs before considering golf’s competitive aspect or the ability to gamble during play.
—Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Asked about the impact of the federal cuts on the flooding, Trump on Sunday seemed ready to blame the former president for the situation, before walking it back.
—Benjamin Siegel, ABC News, 11 July 2025
The 30-year-old, who was born in a refugee camp in Syria before going on to graduate from Columbia, had played a prominent role negotiating on behalf of pro-Palestinian protesters at the university.
—Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
-
In addition to expert pitch training leading up to the event, winners will receive three months of personalized business development, mentorship, and strategic coaching from the New Voices Foundation.—
Essence,
Essence,
6 July 2025
-
Pick them when the stem connecting to the vine starts to brown and pull away.—
Nan Sterman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 July 2025
Preposition
-
The investment—known to be a long position as opposed to a short bet against the company—is an acute one for HPE and its CEO, Antonio Neri.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
6 July 2025
-
Access to passports, other IDs, and credit cards makes theft that much easier, so a pouch that protects against those RFID readers scanning our chips is a huge help.—
Aly Walansky,
Travel + Leisure,
6 July 2025
Adverb
-
The Trump administration initially promised to be transparent about the Epstein files in the government’s possession, but has faced criticism over the rollout, with Bondi releasing information in February that was already largely public.—
Alison Durkee,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
There was already water on the floor of Jane’s cabin, but the call is what prompted her to run in her pajamas to her son’s residence.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Preposition
-
Skokie’s July Fourth parade managed to dodge most of the rain drops, but not the gray sky as off-and-on rain dogged the northern suburbs Friday morning.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
-
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has since visited Camp Mystic, declaring a state of emergency and pledging continued support for search and rescue operations.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
8 July 2025
Adverb
-
Douglas met the press after earlier in the day receiving a surprise award statuette from the festival.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
5 July 2025
-
Home Depot stores will open at their regular times on July 4, according to a company spokesperson, and will close early at 8 p.m. local time.—
Gabe Hauari,
USA Today,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share