early
adverb
in or during the first part of a period of time, a course of action, a series of events, etc..
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.
The suit claims that earlier this year, she had made 119 qualifying payments and was on track to make her 120th payment in April.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 30, 2026
Only a fraction of earlier models contain rare earths but they became commonplace in the more-powerful turbines that are now starting to be replaced.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
“I think people should still plan for rain for Halloween activities, but right now it looks more on the lighter side than moderate side” earlier in the evening, he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026
Putin has said Russia, which introduced a ban on diesel exports earlier this year, is willing to supply both the US and global markets with oil and petroleum products.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
“I have often been discouraged,” Joey said years earlier, when she gave her valedictory address.
From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly
