earlier

1.

happening or done before the usual or expected time.

:

•

we ate an early lunch

:

untimely premature before time unseasonable prompt timely quick speedy rapid fast expeditious rathe

:

overdue

2.

happening, belonging to, or done near the beginning of a particular time or period.

:

•

an early goal secured victory

:

advance forward prior initial preliminary first primary pilot test trial

:

late

1.

before the usual or expected time.

:

•

I was planning to finish work early today

:

prematurely ahead of time ahead of schedule in good time betimes

2.

near the beginning of a particular time or period.

:

•

we lost a couple of games early in the season