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.

It is unclear why, he added, but "somebody dropped the ball … that's why you've got generics in Canada sooner".

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

Ueda said Wednesday that upside risks to prices might emerge sooner than economic downsides.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

The sooner I got used to that, the better.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

For his part, Warsh argues that AI also will help drive down prices, allowing the Fed to cut rates sooner.

From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026

“Come here, Humphrey. You’ll have to come out sooner or later,” he called.

From "The World According to Humphrey" by Betty G. Birney