beforehand

adverb or adjective

be·​fore·​hand bi-ˈfȯr-ˌhand How to pronounce beforehand (audio)
bē-
Synonyms of beforehandnext
1
a
: in anticipation
b
: in advance
2
: ahead of time : early

Synonyms of beforehand

Relevance
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Examples of beforehand in a Sentence

if you arrive beforehand, we won't be entirely prepared yet if you get ready beforehand, you won't have to rush at the last minute
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Be sure to download one of the many Road to Hana apps before beginning your journey (though look at it beforehand as cell signal may be hard to come by). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026 Ukraine's Ministry of Defense sources said SpaceX had unilaterally imposed the Starshield restrictions without informing them beforehand. — Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Ballmer had invested $50 million in Aspiration beforehand—and $10 million after Leonard’s arrival in LA. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 While many of the specifics are kept under wraps beforehand, this year’s outing for Pink will feature models Gabby Moura, Yoon Young Bae, Jordan Leftwich and more. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for beforehand

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of beforehand was in the 13th century

Rhymes for beforehand

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Browse Nearby Words

before bed
beforehand
before long
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Cite this Entry

“Beforehand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beforehand. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

beforehand

adverb
be·​fore·​hand -ˌhand How to pronounce beforehand (audio)
: ahead of time : in advance
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