as in ahead
so as to precede something in order of time
he had arrived earlier to take care of some preliminary matters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for earlier
Adverb
-
The actor reached a civil settlement with the city of Chicago earlier this year.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
23 June 2025 -
At Coachella earlier this year, the trio accused organizers of censoring their pro-Palestine messaging during the livestream.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
23 June 2025
Adverb
-
LeBron James already opted in to a $52.6 million deal with the Lakers for next season, the Rockets traded for Durant and the Los Angeles Clippers saw James Harden decline his option in return for a new deal and a raise.—
Tim Reynolds,
Chicago Tribune,
1 July 2025
-
With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
30 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Earlier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earlier. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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