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
-
Want to get ahead at work with AI?—
Renée Onque,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026 -
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.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Jan. 2026
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.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
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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.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
Christopher Patterson's mother held back tears as his family and friends gathered on Friday outside the home where the 23-year-old lost his life two days before.—
Jermont Terry,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
-
She’ll get treated with the same medicines that worked for her before, and we’ll be done.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 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.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
10 Jan. 2026
-
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.—
Geoff Mulvihill,
Twin Cities,
10 Jan. 2026
Adverb
-
The presence of state investigators on scene at the latest shooting by a federal immigration officer was notable, given federal authorities had previously blocked the BCA from participating in the investigation of the shooting of Good.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
15 Jan. 2026
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Prosecutors said Terrell was previously convicted of kidnapping.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Earlier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earlier. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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