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 of timely

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

Two timely and politically-charged films have won the top prizes at the Berlin Film Festival’s Panorama section, the festival’s main sidebar. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 21 Feb. 2026

In the lawsuit, residents allege that Lenexa didn’t notify them in a timely manner. —Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026

The credit was provided when there wasn’t a whole lot of incentive for families to register their children in the school in a timely fashion. —Linda Girardi, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026

To complete the project in a timely manner, I-65 will close for two months in Summer 2026. —Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Feb. 2026

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