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
Executives are challenged to make timely business decisions every day, and their ability to rise to the challenge can create cascading business impacts. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 Besides, there can often be an emergency need for a back-up story, particularly if a subject backs out of a timely report or a story that was supposed to be ready requires last-minute changes. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 The timely—or timeless—exhibition surveys art’s place in both the great and mundane moments of social justice. — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The interaction has to be timely, relevant and worth the HCP’s attention. — Rahul Saluja, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Timely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timely. Accessed 4 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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