EN

Synonyms for earlier

  • adverb
  • adjective

Most common

originally to begin with

All synonyms

Adverb

1. Originally

originally, to begin with

Other

before, previously, some time, sooner, beforehand, formerly, rather dated, antecedently rare

Adjective

previous, prior, preceding, former, antecedent, anterior formal, erstwhile, hitherto, whilom

Antonyms

later, following, subsequent

All antonyms of earlier →

Definitions

  1. adv. 1

    comparative form of early: more early

  2. adj. 1

    comparative form of early: more early

Example sentences

  • originally This song was originally six different song ideas.
  • previously I have previously been in Kabylie for three weeks.
  • sooner An injury is much sooner forgotten than an insult.
  • beforehand In case you need to leave, let us know beforehand.

Popularity over time

Word1850 → 2019Trend
earliersteady
originallysteady
previouslyfalling
soonerrising
beforehandsteady

Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.

By length

5 letters
prior2
6 letters
before2, rather2, former2, sooner2, whilom
8 letters
previous3, formerly3, anterior4, hitherto3
9 letters
preceding3, erstwhile2
10 letters
previously4, originally5, beforehand3, antecedent4
12 letters
antecedently

The small number after each word is its number of syllables (prior2 = 2 syllables).