Synonyms for

Earliest

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

Definition

Earliest means happening or being done before any other time.

Synonyms & similar words

other former earlier early soonest late middle first initial preliminary primary incipient incipiently primitive primal early first-born former foremost inaugural initial maiden nascent original pioneer preceding premier

Synonyms by register

Formal

initial primary original first

Informal

first off at the start to begin with

Literary

primeval dawn auroral

Antonyms

latest final hindmost last most recent subsequent

Common collocations

  • earliest opportunity
  • earliest convenience
  • earliest possible
  • earliest stages
  • earliest known
  • earliest records
  • earliest times
  • earliest evidence

Word family

adjective early
adverb early

Usage note

As a superlative adjective, 'earliest' refers to the time that is before all others. It is often used with nouns like 'opportunity' or 'convenience' to express a desire for prompt action.

Example sentences

  1. I woke up earliest in my family today.
  2. The earliest bird gets the worm.
  3. The earliest memories I have are of playing with my sister.
  4. I always finish my homework earliest in my class.
  5. The earliest settlers in America came from England.

Quotes

  • The early bird catches the worm.
  • The first step is always the hardest.
  • The beginning is the most important part of the work.

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