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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for earlier

Adverb

Ultimately, Jenkins capped the drive with a 4-yard keeper, putting UCF ahead 34-27 with 33 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

— Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
On the verge of its first win in Death Valley in 25 years, the Tar Heels instead came from 14 points ahead to lose, 28-20, against Clemson on a wet, weird and utterly disappointing day for the baby blue faithful.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of ahead

Adverb

Narges Mohammadi, 54, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023, was temporarily released from prison for medical reasons earlier this year after falling unconscious and being transferred to a hospital.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
It can be expected that college football will take the majority of people’s attention, especially early in the day.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of early

Adverb

The Thom Browne show may have officially wrapped New York Fashion Week a few hours before, but Chopard kept the party going further downtown.

— Leigh Nordstrom, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
The price has jumped more than 23% in August from the same month a year before, per the latest data from the BLS released last week.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of before

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 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of earlier

adverb

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