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
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Just as a developer is trying to move ahead with plans to raze the historic Excelsior Club in west Charlotte, then rebuild a near replica, a local museum CEO is trying to make the case for saving the structure.—
Catherine Muccigrosso,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025 -
An Emerson College Polling survey conducted last week found Wu ahead by 50 points, 72 percent to 22 percent.—
Jared Gans,
The Hill,
10 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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This, however, was quite a different context from when Bianca Censori stepped out in a see-through dress at the Grammys earlier this year with her husband Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
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Lopes has good technical striking skills, at least early in his fights, and excellent grappling.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Why Healthcare Needs a Data Overhaul Healthcare systems are generating more data than ever before, from electronic health records and lab results to imaging scans, insurance claims, and even patient updates from wearable devices.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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Spider Woman has been adapted to the screen before, but not as a musical.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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Carbon credit monetization – Forward-looking companies are already earning credits by capturing and storing emissions, feeding into voluntary and compliance carbon markets.—
Peter Bendor-Samuel,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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Artificial intelligence is no longer on the horizon—it is already embedded in healthcare systems.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Adverb
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The actress had previously teamed up with the company for a suggestive body wash commercial.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
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Polish officials previously said that there were 19 intrusions of the country’s airspace, and that a large proportion of the drones entered from Belarus.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Earlier.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/earlier. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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