timely

1 of 2

adjective

time·​ly ˈtīm-lē How to pronounce timely (audio)
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 courtW. O. Douglas
2
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
But much like Week 1 against Justin Herbert and the Chargers, the Chiefs’ inability to contain the opposing quarterback in timely spots lost them the football game. Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025 Wyler’s Oscar-winning film The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) – a timely tale of the weight of coming home from World War II – was named as subversive by HUAC. Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2025 The network claimed that the series’ producers violated their contract by not providing finished episodes to its censors in a sufficiently timely manner (an assertion that would not pass muster in a subsequent civil-court case won by the brothers). Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025 The ability to set up AI chatbots that represent a company’s ethos and tone is a game-changer, providing timely, helpful responses to customer queries. Derya Matras, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Timely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timely. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on timely

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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