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
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
This was the last expedition before their years of work to map the volcano's interior is published.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026
Chicago has seen this story before.
—Parin Moradiya, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for before
Preposition
How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
—Adverb
As Blacc hinted at, there is more than a little anger to go around about what happened before, during and since the fires, along with the sorrow and thousand other emotions.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
-
Johnson said that the animal caused extensive damage to his home, costing tens of thousands of dollars.—
-
The Joshua School does not have access to the bus video or activities that occur on the bus.—
Preposition
-
The lawmakers have pushed back against the administration and argued the Justice Department's inquiries are politically motivated.—
-
Earlier this week, Germany warned its airlines against entering Iranian airspace.—
Adverb
-
Want to get ahead at work with AI?—
-
While floral block prints are poised to become a darling of the wallpaper world in the year ahead, Rees says large-scale florals might create a distracting or chaotic feel that’s definitely not on the menu in 2026.—
Adverb
-
By the time police arrived, the four suspects — black females between the ages of 18 and 23 — had already gone, but they were each caught on store surveillance cameras.—
-
Jessica Ranucci, a lawyer in the New York Attorney General’s office, said in the Friday hearing, which was conducted by telephone, that at least four of the states had already had money delayed after requesting it.—
Preposition
-
Australian Shearling Clog Slipper Similar to the Ugg’s popular design, these shoes have more coverage around your heel than a standard slip-on style, providing an extra few inches of cushion and protection around your feet.—
-
The move means the UAE has removed British universities from a list of higher education institutions eligible for state scholarships amid growing tensions over London's decision not to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, The Financial Times reported.—
Adverb
-
In danger of being blown out early, the Panthers actually took the lead — twice — in an extraordinary fourth quarter that kept viewers glued to their TVs around the country.—
-
The Panthers fell behind 14-0 early, but stormed back to take a 24-20 lead on Hubbard's second touchdown of the run game early in the fourth quarter.—
Cite this Entry
“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
