sooner crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "sooner crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, clear explanations, and tips to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "sooner crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
EARLIER: At a more immediate or prior time; preceding in time.
9 Letters
OKLAHOMAN: A native or resident of Oklahoma, often associated with 'The Sooner State'.
More About "sooner crossword clue"
The clue "sooner" in a crossword puzzle can be surprisingly versatile, leading to different answers depending on the setter's intent. Primarily, it refers to something that happens at an earlier point in time, hence answers like EARLIER. This is the most straightforward interpretation and a common trick for novice solvers.
However, crossword constructors love to play on words, and "sooner" has a notable double meaning. It can refer to a resident of Oklahoma, often nicknamed 'The Sooner State' due to the historical land runs where settlers rushed to claim land 'sooner' than officially allowed. This makes OKLAHOMAN a valid and often-used answer, especially in puzzles with a U.S. geography or history theme.
Always consider the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you already have. If the length is suitable for a longer word, or if you have letters that fit 'OKLAHOMAN', then the geographical interpretation is likely. Otherwise, a temporal synonym like 'EARLIER' is probably the correct path.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Wordplay: For clues like "sooner," always consider double meanings, homophones, or specific proper nouns. 'Sooner' can be about time, preference, or even a person from a specific place.
- Check Letter Count and Intersections: The number of letters in the answer and any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words are your best friends. They can quickly rule out incorrect possibilities.
- Consider Common Crossword Themes: Some puzzles have themes. If you notice other clues relate to states, geography, or historical events, it might nudge you towards the 'OKLAHOMAN' answer for "sooner."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sooner' mean in a crossword clue?
The word 'sooner' can have multiple meanings in crosswords. It can refer to a point in time (e.g., 'at an earlier time'), a preference (e.g., 'I'd sooner go'), or a specific geographical reference, particularly to a resident of Oklahoma, known as 'The Sooner State'.
How can I tell if 'sooner' refers to time or a place in a crossword?
Context is key. Look at the clue's surrounding words or the puzzle's theme. If the clue mentions anything about 'state resident,' 'plains,' 'Midwest,' or has a proper noun associated, it might point to OKLAHOMAN. If it implies a comparison of time, speed, or sequence, answers like EARLIER or PROMPTER are more likely.
Are there other common synonyms for 'sooner' in crosswords?
Yes, depending on the nuance, 'sooner' can lead to answers like EARLIER, PROMPTER, BEFOREHAND, or even BETTER (as in 'I'd sooner do X than Y'). The exact answer will depend on the letter count and intersecting letters in your puzzle.