Phrase guide

no sooner than

conj · prep · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

conj

Meaning 1

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see no, sooner, than.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He will arrive no sooner than I will.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: no later than

2

conj

Meaning 2

At the moment when; instantaneously after; immediately after.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: immediately, instantly, hardly
  • No sooner had he arrived than the others grew talkative.
  • She'd no sooner passed her driving test than/when her family started asking for lifts.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: as soon as, once, immediately, instantly, hardly

Antonyms: none provided

3

conj

Meaning 3

Used to indicate that the second action mentioned is as likely as, or is preferred to, the first action mentioned.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I'd no sooner shop at their store than jump in a lake.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

prep

Meaning 4

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see no, sooner, than.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Near-synonym: after
  • He will arrive no sooner than ten o'clock.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: after

Antonyms: no later than, before

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.