timely

1 of 2

adjective

time·​ly ˈtīm-lē How to pronounce timely (audio)
timelier; timeliest
Synonyms of timely
1
: coming early or at the right time
a timely decision
timely payment
2
: appropriate or adapted to the times or the occasion
a timely book
timeliness noun

timely

2 of 2

adverb

1
: in time : opportunely
… the question was not … timely raised in the state court.—W. O. Douglas
2
archaic : early, soon

Synonyms of timely

Relevance

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of timely in a Sentence

Adjective Her very timely book examines the effects of global warming on the world's climates. She always responds to my requests in a timely fashion.
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.
Adjective
Many face barriers to timely diagnoses, medical treatments and coordination of care. — Hillary Lum, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 That includes sharing explicit expectations around AI use, providing timely updates when possible and engaging with feedback — or even pushback — from employees. — Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 Kitchens were structured for high throughput and delivery vehicles lined up on the other side of the building to take finished meals and speed them along critical thoroughfares for timely and low-cost delivery. — George C. Lee Ii, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 The donation was especially timely in Missouri, where state legislators cut more than half the funding to Parton’s program for the upcoming fiscal year as part of a controversial education spending bill. — Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for timely

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of timely was before the 12th century

Rhymes for timely

See All Rhymes for timely

Browse Nearby Words

time lock
timely
time machine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Timely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timely. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

timely

adjective
time·​ly
ˈtīm-lē
timelier; timeliest
1
: coming early or at the right time
2
: especially suitable for the time
a timely book
timeliness noun

Legal Definition

timely

adjective
time·​ly
ˈtīm-lē
: falling within a prescribed or reasonable time
timely notice
timeliness noun
timely adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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