EARLIER Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

earlier

adverb

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for earlier

Adverb

In IconArrows pointing outwards Berkshire still came out a little bit ahead, however, as the stock is now trading just under $184.

— Alex Crippen, CNBC, 9 Aug. 2026
But large language models are not warning drivers about full shutdowns that just occurred 2 miles ahead.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of ahead

Adverb

Tunsil suffered the injury early in practice, during one-on-ones between offensive and defensive linemen.

— Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Store them in dedicated shoe bags Getting dirt and grime from your shoes on your clean clothes won’t end your trip early.

— Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of early

Adverb

That was a new record and only once before has the number of moves hit double figures.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Remember to wear certified eclipse glasses or use a handheld solar viewer to protect your vision any time the sun’s light is on display before, during or after the eclipse, and follow these safety tips to protect your vision.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of before

Adverb

Moderna has said the FDA previously signed off on the trial design.

— Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
Robinson previously arrested in Rancho Cordova case Robinson was previously arrested in May 2024 after Rancho Cordova police investigated a March 30, 2024, incident at a car wash on Sunrise Boulevard.

— Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of previously

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.

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earl

earlier

earliest

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“Earlier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earlier. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of earlier

adverb

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