Synonyms of untimelynext
1
: at an inopportune time : unseasonably
… thought I was mad, or most untimely merry …T. E. Lawrence
2
: before the due, natural, or proper time : prematurely
went untimely to the grave

untimely

2 of 2

adjective

1
: inopportune, unseasonable
an untimely joke
untimely frost
2
a
: occurring or done before the due, natural, or proper time : too early : premature
an untimely death
b
: not made, done, or submitted within a set time period
an untimely petition
untimeliness noun

Examples of untimely in a Sentence

Adjective the untimely arrival of our guests caught us by surprise
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
Letter writer finds even the relationship with other siblings hard to manage after sister’s untimely death. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 23 Aug. 2026 Fields’ final drive of the evening showcased his athleticism but came with an untimely reminder of what has held him back as a starter. Kansas City Star, 23 Aug. 2026 The untimely death of Hayden Panettiere, a onetime child star who soared to fame while navigating addiction and postpartum depression in her adult life, came just months after the beloved actor described feeling ready to start over. Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 The actor has spoken about Brad’s untimely end — and his abrupt dismissal — in the past. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for untimely

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of untimely was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

untimely

adjective
un·​time·​ly
ˌən-ˈtīm-lē
ˈən-
1
: occurring or done before the expected, natural, or proper time : premature
untimely death
2
: coming at the wrong time
an untimely joke

Legal Definition

untimely

adjective
un·​time·​ly
ˌən-ˈtīm-lē
: not timely
especially : not made or filed within a period of time specified by procedural rule
an untimely petition
untimeliness noun
untimely adverb
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