at the earliest

phrase

—used to indicate the earliest possible time when something will happen or be done

The job will not be finished until next year at the (very) earliest.

Examples of at the earliest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The industry expectation is that there will be a lockout come December and that the sides won’t be able to reach an agreement until the spring at the earliest. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Arguments aren’t planned to go before that court until November at the earliest. — Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026 Relief could come from this year’s El Niño rains, but those are not forecast to arrive until October at the earliest. — Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 The next generation of the SUV, which would have been the first to offer an electric powertrain option, has been pushed back two years to 2030 at the earliest. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at the earliest

Cite this Entry

Style

“At the earliest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20earliest. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

at the earliest

phrase

Examples of at the earliest in a Sentence

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

recalcitrant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes