The term 'sooner than' can be expressed in four different ways using the solutions of the crossword puzzle. The first solution is 'ERE', which is a three letter word meaning 'BEFORE'. The second solution is 'RATHER', which is a six letter word meaning 'PREFERABLY'. The third solution is 'BEFORE', which is also a six letter word meaning 'earlier than'. The last solution is 'TIL', which is a three letter word meaning 'UNTIL'. All of these words express the idea of something happening sooner than expected or desired.