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Definitions

sooner

[soo-ner] / ˈsu nər /
ADJECTIVE
beforehand
Synonyms
STRONGEST
earlier
STRONG
ahead
WEAK
advanced ahead of time already ante antecedently before before now fore in advance in anticipation precedently precocious previous previously
ADVERB
before
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ahead back previously since
WEAK
afore aforetime ante antecedently anteriorly before present ere fore former formerly forward heretofore in advance in days of yore in front in the old days in the past past precendently previous up to now
Antonyms
WEAK
after afterward behind later
ADVERB
rather
Synonyms
STRONGEST
willingly
WEAK
alternately alternatively as a matter of choice by choice by preference first in lieu of in preference just as soon more readily more willingly much sooner
Antonyms
WEAK
extremely insignificantly little violently

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Martel describes the month she spent in L.A. — an eye injury prevented her from flying home sooner — as a “lot of fun in the end,” even if no blockbuster emerged from it.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

And the sooner you do so, the better.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

Schools are pushing to get commitments sooner, adding new early-admission rounds, and using wait lists aggressively.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

"We are very sorry that we did not resolve this sooner," said a spokesperson.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

Nicole knew she should have headed back to shore sooner, but every time she started in that direction the possibility of missing Rashawn’s call for help stopped her.

From "Storm Runners" by Roland Smith