Synonyms for

Before

Verb / bɪˈfɔ:r / / ˌbi:ˈfɔ:r / Another word for before — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Before means earlier in time or in front of something.

Synonyms & similar words

infront earlier ahead previously preceding proceeding already formerly aforetime heretofore erstwhile preliminary introductory

Synonyms by register

Formal

prior previously earlier

Informal

ago beforehand ahead of time

Literary

ere anon

Antonyms

after later since subsequently following behind

Common collocations

  • before long
  • before then
  • before now
  • before you know it
  • before and after
  • before the war
  • before the storm

Word family

noun before
adverb before

Usage note

As a preposition, 'before' indicates a point in time or position preceding something else. As an adverb, it means at an earlier time.

Example sentences

  1. Before I go to bed, I brush my teeth.
  2. The sun comes up before the moon.
  3. We need to finish our work before lunch.
  4. She always reads a book before going to sleep.
  5. I saw the movie before it was released in theaters.

Quotes

  • It is always darkest just before the day dawneth. - Thomas Fuller
  • The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is. - C.S. Lewis
  • I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better. - Georg C. Lichtenberg

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