timely

1 of 2

adjective

time·ly ˈtīm-lē

timelier; timeliest

Synonyms of timely

: coming early or at the right time

a timely decision

timely payment

: appropriate or adapted to the times or the occasion

a timely book

timeliness noun

timely

2 of 2

adverb

: in time : opportunely

… the question was not … timely raised in the state court.—W. O. Douglas

archaic : early, soon

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

Can that be done in a few weeks in order to have a timely treatment? — David Cox, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026 Some participants appreciate the light-hearted and good-natured humor, expressing gratitude and finding it timely and amusing. — Edith Pritchett, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026 The report emphasizes the need for companies to better understand workforce capabilities, align learning and development with business priorities, and provide timely support so employees have the skills needed to succeed. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 The Postal Service has mostly ensured the timely delivery of hundreds of millions of ballots, even as mail volume overall has dropped 50% from its high in 2006. — Ken B. Morales, ProPublica, 22 Oct. 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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Timely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timely. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

timely

adjective

time·ly

ˈtīm-lē

timelier; timeliest

: coming early or at the right time

: 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

timely

adjective

adverb

Synonyms of timely

Examples of timely in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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timely

adjective

adverb

Synonyms of timely

Examples of timely in a Sentence

Word History

Rhymes for timely

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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