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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
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Recent Examples of before
Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025
But the reason for the season dates back long before online shopping and BOGO deals.
—Avery Lotz, Axios, 17 Feb. 2025
For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the moon won't rise above the eastern horizon until shortly before midnight, still at the farther end of its orbit from Earth.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2025
More uncertainty ahead Trump’s Mideast team, led by envoy Steve Witkoff, played a key role in securing the current six-week ceasefire, even before taking office.
—Josef Federman, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for before
Preposition
Scared Straight Slotting Murphy into a Scared Straight revival alongside Kenan Thompson is just the kind of SNL fantasy-football these specials thrive on—even before throwing Ferrell into the mix.
—Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2025
But the reason for the season dates back long before online shopping and BOGO deals.
—Avery Lotz, Axios, 17 Feb. 2025
For observers in the Northern Hemisphere, the moon won't rise above the eastern horizon until shortly before midnight, still at the farther end of its orbit from Earth.
—Brett Tingley, Space.com, 17 Feb. 2025
More uncertainty ahead Trump’s Mideast team, led by envoy Steve Witkoff, played a key role in securing the current six-week ceasefire, even before taking office.
—Josef Federman, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for before
Recent Examples of Synonyms for before
Preposition
-
The number of banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. dropped by 21 to 4,517 during the third quarter of 2024, the latest period for which the FDIC has provided data.—
Russ Wiles,
USA TODAY,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Kelly edged West Aurora’s Dominic Serio 4-3 in the finals, avenging a sectional loss a week earlier to Serio.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2025
Preposition
-
Israel launched a military offensive against Hamas in the days following the attack.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
-
On Monday, the U.S. joined Russia, North Korea and Iran in voting against a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.—
Brian Bennett,
TIME,
25 Feb. 2025
Adverb
-
Health officials in Finland have already used some of their stockpiled vaccines for high-risk people.—
Adrianna Rodriguez,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
-
The nightcap meant nothing to either the Americans or Swedes: The U.S. had already clinched a spot in Thursday night’s championship game against Canada, which beat Finland earlier Monday, and Sweden needed Canada to falter to have a chance of making the final.—
Jimmy Golen,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
Preposition
-
Waukegan has seen a lot of turnover in the mayor’s office.—
R. Christian Smith,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Feb. 2025
-
On one of those days, Sue began asking Ken to move her to a care home.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
26 Feb. 2025
Adverb
-
Rebecca Kutler, a former CNN senior executive, officially became MSNBC’s new president earlier this year.—
Claire Franken,
TVLine,
23 Feb. 2025
-
Even after missing 16 games earlier this season because of a broken leg, the 39-year-old is on pace to pass Gretzky this spring.—
Stephen Whyno,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Before.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/before. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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