Synonyms for

Earlier

Verb / ˈɜ:li:ɜ: / Another word for earlier — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

happening or done before the usual or expected time

Synonyms & similar words

inthebeginning other sooner former early before tobeginwith late inthefirstplace originally earliest middle sooner beforehand previously formerly heretofore prior before antecedently preliminary proleptic precursory preparatory introductory incipient antepenultimate prevenient

Synonyms by register

Formal

prior previous preceding

Informal

before sooner ahead of time

Literary

ere anon

Antonyms

later subsequent following afterward behind past

Common collocations

  • earlier this week
  • earlier today
  • earlier in the day
  • earlier than expected
  • earlier this year
  • much earlier
  • a little earlier
  • earlier on

Word family

adjective early
adverb earlier

Usage note

As an adverb, 'earlier' refers to a time before the present or a specific past time. It is often used to compare two points in time.

Example sentences

  1. I woke up earlier than usual today.
  2. My sister finished her homework earlier than me.
  3. We need to leave earlier to avoid traffic.
  4. I wish I had known earlier about the meeting.
  5. The store closes earlier on Sundays.

Quotes

  • The earlier you start, the easier the job will be.
  • Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome. Not everyone can be Number 1.
  • The earlier you learn that you should focus on what you have, and not obsess about what you don’t have, the happier you will be.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words