at the earliest

phrase

—used to indicate the earliest possible time when something will happen or be done
The job will not be finished until next year at the (very) earliest.

Examples of at the earliest in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Agents not registered with the federal marketplace in 2026 will not be allowed to assist with enrollments for 2027 until February at the earliest, past the end of open enrollment season. — Julie Appleby, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 This year’s profit is likely set, so gains come next year at the earliest. — Ron Smith, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Gartner doesn’t expect that 12% return to be reached until the end of 2032 at the earliest. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026 Thus, Waldrep wouldn’t be part of the team’s rotation plans until next September at the earliest. — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for at the earliest

Cite this Entry

“At the earliest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20earliest. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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