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.

"Sooner or later this has to resolve itself. Hopefully sooner," said one EU diplomat, talking as others on condition of anonymity.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

"Sooner or later these so-called alphabetical world champions are going to have to fight me. They will be hunted and destroyed. Who will they face for money? I'm the money man," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Sooner or later, a new supreme leader will be selected.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

Sooner or later, the leopard comes for everyone who imagined they could feed it and remain safe.

From Salon • Jan. 17, 2026

Sooner or later they would all die and find themselves at Minya’s mercy, but while they lived, it was Sarai’s mercy that mattered.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

sooner

Example Sentences

Related Words