There are several synonyms for the phrase "spoken earlier," each with its own slight nuance in meaning. Some alternatives include "previously stated," "previously mentioned," "former utterances," "prior declarations," "previous communications," "past remarks," and "former statements." The choice of synonym may depend on the context and the writer or speaker's intended emphasis, as some options put more emphasis on the temporal aspect (e.g., previously stated), while others highlight the communicative act (e.g., previous communications). Regardless of the choice, using synonyms can add variety to writing or speech and prevent repetition.