ALREADY Synonyms: 30 Similar and Opposite Words

already

adverb

ȯl-ˈre-dē

Definition of already

as in earlier

so as to precede something in order of time when we got back to the house, the movers had already left

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of already OpenAI says the model has already contributed to solving difficult, long-standing mathematical problems. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026 Colorado’s 2027 high school recruiting class already has 20 commitments, more than any other cycle under Sanders. — Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026 In the image compiled by the high schoolers, these H II regions are already visible in the areas of bright pink light. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 3 Sep. 2026 Having already weathered so many attacks aimed at diminishing its power, the remaining Iranian leadership, which learned to tolerate hardship in the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, is unlikely to be cowed by further aggression. — James F. Jeffrey, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for already

Recent Examples of Synonyms for already

Adverb

Nor did Governor Shin Hyun Song rule out another tap of the brakes in the months ahead.

— William Pesek, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Crews may benefit from slightly cooler temperatures in the days ahead, Gass said, and wind conditions are expected to remain fairly calm in both areas.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of ahead

Adverb

It was widely believed that Koval, 20, opted out in opposition to LSU’s signing 6-foot-5 Russian center Anna Minaeva, who previously played professionally for MBA Moscow.

— David K. Li, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
Moreno had previously put the club up for sale in August 2022 before pulling the team off the market five months later.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of previously

Adverb

That projection is 79% higher than the bank’s estimate from a year earlier.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Tysie Gallagher, Terri Harper and Caroline Dubois beat Americans Brandi Robinson, Miranda Reyes and Amelia Moore, respectively, earlier in the night, while Reina Tellez defeated Jessica Barry for the United States’ only victory.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of early

Browse Nearby Words

alps

already

alright

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Already.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/already. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of already

adverb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

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

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

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

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes