sooner

adverb
UK: /ˈsuːnər/
US: /ˈsuːnər/

  1. Earlier; before the expected or usual time.

    1. Can we leave sooner today? I have a meeting. [ ] [ ]
    2. The sooner we address the problem, the sooner we'll find a solution. [ ] [ ]

  2. Rather; more willingly.

    1. I would sooner walk than take the bus. [ ] [ ]
    2. She'd sooner quit her job than compromise her principles any further. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

beforehand rather preferably readily
sooner conjunction

  1. Used to indicate a preference for one thing over another.

    1. I'd sooner have tea. [ ] [ ]
    2. I would sooner die than betray my friends and family ever. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "sooner" in English means: Earlier; before the expected or usual time., Rather; more willingly..

The phonetic transcription of "sooner" is /ˈsuːnər/ in British English and /ˈsuːnər/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "sooner": beforehand, rather, preferably, readily.

Example usage of "sooner": "Can we leave sooner today? I have a meeting.". More examples on the page.