already

adverb

al·​ready ȯl-ˈre-dē How to pronounce already (audio)
ˈȯl-ˌre-dē
Synonyms of already
1
: prior to a specified or implied past, present, or future time : by this time : previously
He had already left when I called.
2
—used as an intensive
All right already.
Enough already!

Synonyms of already

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Examples of already in a Sentence

They've already agreed to come. I'd already left by the time you called. He acted as if he didn't already know. Flight 102 will already have taken off by the time Flight 101 lands. Have they arrived already?! I'm still not dressed! Do you have to go already?
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 implosion came in the third inning when Manaea loaded the bases with two outs, with the Mets already down 1-0. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026 The union says it’s already made concessions at the bargaining table but with little offered in return to improve current conditions and wages. — Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 The group, already one of the largest White supremacist organizations in the country, is quickly growing its membership, at a time when hate crimes are on the rise. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 5 July 2026 Despite hot, humid conditions, a respectable crowd has already gathered, with organizers expecting attendance to grow as temperatures ease later this evening. — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for already

Word History

Etymology

Middle English al redy, from al redy, adjective, wholly ready, from al all + redy ready

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of already was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing already

Rhymes for already

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Browse Nearby Words

alraun
already
alright
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Already.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/already. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

already

adverb
al·​ready ȯl-ˈred-ē How to pronounce already (audio)
ˈȯl-ˌred-ē
: before a certain time : by the time
I had already left when you called

More from Merriam-Webster on already

Nglish: Translation of already for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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