The term 'At an Earlier Time' can be expressed in three different ways: PRIOR (5 letters), ONCE (4 letters), and SOONER (6 letters). PRIOR is an adjective that means existing or coming before in time, while ONCE is an adverb that means at a previous time. SOONER is also an adverb that means before the expected, usual, or appointed time. All three words are used to describe something that happened or will happen before the present or expected time.