sooner than crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "sooner than," you've come to the right place. We provide quick and comprehensive solutions to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "sooner than crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ERE: An archaic or poetic term meaning "before" or "sooner than." This is a very common crossword answer for such clues.
5 Letters
PRIOR: Meaning "existing or coming before in time, order, or importance." Often used in the phrase "prior to."
6 Letters
BEFORE: A direct and common synonym for "sooner than," indicating an earlier point in time or sequence.
7 Letters
EARLIER: The comparative form of "early," which directly conveys the meaning of "sooner than."
More About "sooner than crossword clue"
The phrase "sooner than" is a temporal indicator, meaning "before" a certain time or event. In crosswords, clues like this often test your vocabulary for synonyms that can fit various letter counts, from common words to more obscure or archaic terms.
Understanding the nuances of temporal prepositions and adverbs is key to solving these types of clues. Words indicating precedence, sequence, or an earlier moment are prime candidates. Crossword setters frequently use such clues to explore different parts of speech that convey the same core meaning.
When you encounter "sooner than" or similar clues, think about context. Is it a formal puzzle, or more casual? This can sometimes hint at whether an archaic word like ERE or a more modern synonym like BEFORE would be expected.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the possible answers to the available letter slots in your crossword grid. This is your most valuable filter.
- Consider Archaic Terms: Many crosswords, especially traditional ones, love using older words like "ERE" for time-related clues. Keep them in your mental dictionary!
- Think of Synonyms & Phrases: Brainstorm direct synonyms for "sooner than" and also consider common phrases that can be represented by a single word, such as "prior to" leading to "PRIOR."
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the surrounding words in the clue or the letters already filled in from intersecting words can give you a hint about the precise meaning or form required.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sooner than' imply in a crossword clue?
'Sooner than' typically implies a word that denotes an earlier point in time, sequence, or preference. Common answers are temporal prepositions or adverbs.
Are there common tricks for clues like 'sooner than'?
For temporal clues, always consider archaic words (like ERE) and direct synonyms (like BEFORE, PRIOR, EARLIER). Also, think about phrases that can be condensed into a single word.
How important is the letter count for this clue?
The letter count is crucial. 'Sooner than' can have multiple answers depending on the required length, ranging from short words like 'ERE' (3 letters) to longer ones like 'EARLIER' (7 letters).