timely

1 of 2

adjective

time·​ly ˈtīm-lē 

timelier; timeliest

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

Adjective

• seasonable
• opportune
• appropriate
• proper
• anticipated
• well-timed
• expected
• relevant
• suitable
• pertinent

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

Adjective

Apart from being sonically pleasing, the record is also timely. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 28 Aug. 2025

The lack of timely and effective response from the Department of Child Safety demands accountability. —Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2025

This research is timely as fintechs are already experimenting with blockchain in adjacent security domains. —Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Bugonia, the latest Yorgos Lanthimos-Emma Stone team-up; and Olivier Assayas’ The Wizard of the Kremlin, a timely political thriller featuring Jude Law as Vladimir Putin and Paul Dano as his unlikely adviser. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for timely

• sublimely
• untimely

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